Proverbs 31:1-9

Modern English Version

² What, my son? And what, the son of my womb?
    And what, the son of my vows?
³ Do not give your strength to women,
    nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings to drink wine,
    nor for princes strong drink;
⁵ lest they drink and forget the law,
    and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted.
⁶ Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish,
    and wine to those who are of heavy hearts.
⁷ Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
    and remember his misery no more.

⁸ Open your mouth for the speechless
    in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteously,
    and plead the cause of the poor and needy.