Proverbs 31:1-9

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

² No, my son! No, son of my womb!
    No, son of my vows!^(B)
3 Do not give your strength to women,
    your ways to those who destroy kings.^(C)
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings to drink wine
    or for rulers to desire^[a] strong drink,^(D)
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
⁶ Give strong drink to one who is perishing
    and wine to those in bitter distress;
⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty
    and remember their misery no more.
⁸ Speak out for those who cannot speak,
    for the rights of all the destitute.^[b](E)
9 Speak out; judge righteously;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.^(F)