Proverbs 31:1-9

The Voice

31 These are the words of King Lemuel. An oracle of wisdom handed down to him by his mother:

²Mother: What shall I say to you, my son? What wisdom can I impart, child of my womb?
        What insight can I share, son of my vows?
³    Do not waste your strength on women
        or invest yourself in women who would destroy even kings.
⁴    Take care, my son, O Lemuel.
        Kings should not drink too much wine
        or rulers should not crave strong drink;
⁵    For if they do, they will become drunk and forget the decree they just made
        and alter the course of justice for all the poor and afflicted.
⁶    Rather, give liquor to one who is dying,
        and offer wine to those struggling with life’s harsh realities.
⁷    Let such a one drink and forget what he is missing;
        then perhaps he won’t remember his sorrows anymore.
⁸    Speak out on behalf of those who have no voice,
        and defend all those who have been passed over.
⁹    Open your mouth, judge fairly,
        and stand up for the rights of the afflicted and the poor.