⁴ It isn’t for kings, Lemuel,
    it isn’t for kings to drink wine,
    for rulers to crave^[a] strong drink.
⁵ Otherwise, they will drink and forget the law,
    and violate the rights of the needy.
⁶ Give strong drink to those who are perishing
    and wine to those whose hearts are bitter.
⁷ Let them drink and forget their poverty
    and no longer remember their toil.

⁹ Speak out in order to judge with righteousness
    and to defend the needy and the poor.