Proverbs 31:4-7
Expanded Bible
4 “Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel,
and rulers should not ·desire [crave] ·beer [T strong drink; C alcoholic beverage made from grain; 20:1; 23:19–21, 29–35].
5 If they drink, they might forget the ·law [decrees]
and ·keep the needy from getting their rights [violate the rights of the needy].
6 Give ·beer [T strong drink; v. 4] to people who are ·dying [perishing]
and wine to those ·who are sad [who have bitter hearts].
7 Let them drink and forget their ·need [poverty]
and remember their ·misery [or hard work] no more [Eccl. 2:24–26; 3:12–14, 22; 5:18–20; 8:15; 9:7–10].
Proverbs 31:4-7
New American Standard Bible
4 It is not for (A)kings, Lemuel,
It is not for kings to (B)drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink,
5 Otherwise they will drink and forget what is decreed,
And (C)pervert the [a]rights of all the [b]needy.
6 Give intoxicating drink to one who is (D)perishing,
And wine to one [c](E)whose life is bitter.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his trouble no more.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 31:5 Lit judgment
- Proverbs 31:5 Lit sons of affliction
- Proverbs 31:6 Lit bitter of soul
Proverbs 31:9
Expanded Bible
9 ·Speak up [L Open your mouth] and judge ·fairly [with righteousness],
and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:9
New American Standard Bible
Footnotes
- Proverbs 31:9 Lit judge the afflicted
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New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.