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It is not for kings, O Lemuel — it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink,

lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.

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It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine;
Nor for princes [a]to say, Where is strong drink?
Lest they drink, and forget [b]the law,
And pervert the justice due to [c]any that is afflicted.
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,
And wine unto the bitter in soul:
Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:4 Another reading is, to desire strong drink.
  2. Proverbs 31:5 Hebrew that which is decreed.
  3. Proverbs 31:5 Hebrew all the sons of affliction.