Proverbs 31:1-9

Lexham English Bible

31 The words of Lemuel, the king—an oracle
    that his mother taught him:
² What, my son? And what, my son in my womb?
    And what, son of my vows?
³ Do not give your strength to the women,
    and your ways to destroy kings.
⁴ It is not for the kings, O Lemuel;
    drinking wine is not for the kings,
    nor is strong drink for rulers.
⁵ Or else he will drink and forget what has been decreed,
    and he will pervert the rights^[a] of all the afflicted.^[b]
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
    and wine to those in bitter distress.^[c]
7 He will drink and forget his poverty,
    and his misery he will not remember any more.
⁸ Open your mouth for the mute,
    for the rights^[d] of all the needy.^[e]
9 Open your mouth, judge righteousness,
    and defend the poor and needy.