^4 (A)It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings ^(B)to drink wine,
    or for rulers to take ^(C)strong drink,
⁵ lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
    and ^(D)pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
⁶ Give strong drink to the one who ^(E)is perishing,
    and wine to ^(F)those in bitter distress;^[a]
7 (G)let them drink and forget their poverty
    and remember their misery no more.

⁹ Open your mouth, ^(A)judge righteously,
    ^(B)defend the rights of ^(C)the poor and needy.