Proverbs 31:1-9

New International Reader's Version

² Listen, my son! Listen, my very own son!
    Listen, you who are the answer to my prayers!
³ Don’t waste your strength on women.
    Don’t waste it on those who destroy kings.

⁴ Lemuel, it isn’t good for kings to drink wine.
    It isn’t good for rulers to long for beer.
⁵ If they do, they might drink and forget what has been commanded.
    They might take away the rights of all those who are treated badly.
⁶ Let beer be for those who are dying.
    Let wine be for those who are sad and troubled.
⁷ Let them drink and forget how poor they are.
    Let them forget their suffering.

⁸ Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.
    Speak up for the rights of all those who are poor.
⁹ Speak up and judge fairly.
    Speak up for the rights of those who are poor and needy.