20 Wine and beer make people loud and uncontrolled.
    It is not wise to get drunk on them.

¹⁷ Whoever loves pleasure will become poor.
    Whoever loves wine and rich food will never be wealthy.

^29-30 Some people drink too much wine.
    They try out all the different kinds of drinks.
So they have trouble. They are sad.
    They fight. They complain.
They have unnecessary bruises.
    They have bloodshot eyes.
³¹ Don’t stare at the wine’s pretty, red color.
    It may sparkle in the cup.
    It may go down your throat smoothly.
³² But later it bites like a snake.
    Like a snake, it poisons you.
³³ Your eyes will see strange sights.
    And your mind will be confused.
³⁴ You will feel dizzy, as if you’re out on the stormy ocean.
    You will feel as if you’re on top of a ship’s sails.
³⁵ You will think, “They hit me, but I’m not hurt!
    They have beaten me up, but I don’t remember it.
I wish I could wake up.
    Then I would get another drink.”

⁴ “Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel.
    Rulers should not desire beer.
⁵ If they drink, they might forget the law.
    They might keep the needy from getting their rights.
⁶ Give beer to people who are dying.
    And give wine to those who are sad.
⁷ Let them drink and forget their need.
    Then they won’t remember their misery anymore.