Proverbs 31:1-9

New Century Version

² “My son, I gave birth to you.
    You are the son I prayed for.
³ Don’t waste your strength on women
    or your time on those who ruin kings.

⁴ “Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel,
    and rulers should not desire beer.
⁵ If they drink, they might forget the law
    and keep the needy from getting their rights.
⁶ Give beer to people who are dying
    and wine to those who are sad.
⁷ Let them drink and forget their need
    and remember their misery no more.

⁸ “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
    defend the rights of all those who have nothing.
⁹ Speak up and judge fairly,
    and defend the rights of the poor and needy.”