Proverbs 31:4-7
Revised Standard Version
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
or for rulers to desire[a] strong drink;
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
and wine to those in bitter distress;
7 let them drink and forget their poverty,
and remember their misery no more.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 31:4 Cn: Heb where
Proverbs 31:4-7
American Standard Version
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine;
Nor for princes [a]to say, Where is strong drink?
5 Lest they drink, and forget [b]the law,
And pervert the justice due to [c]any that is afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,
And wine unto the bitter in soul:
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.
Footnotes
- Proverbs 31:4 Another reading is, to desire strong drink.
- Proverbs 31:5 Hebrew that which is decreed.
- Proverbs 31:5 Hebrew all the sons of affliction.
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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