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“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].
If they drink, they might forget the ·law [decrees]
    and ·keep the needy from getting their rights [violate the rights of the needy].
Give ·beer [T strong drink; v. 4] to people who are ·dying [perishing]
    and wine to those ·who are sad [who have bitter hearts].
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].

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It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire strong drink,(A)

Otherwise they drink and forget the law and its decrees,
And pervert the rights and justice of all the afflicted.

Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away,
And wine to him whose life is bitter.

Let him drink and forget his poverty
And no longer remember his trouble.

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