⁴ It is not for the kings, O Lemuel;
    drinking wine is not for the kings,
    nor is strong drink for rulers.
⁵ Or else he will drink and forget what has been decreed,
    and he will pervert the rights^[a] of all the afflicted.^[b]
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
    and wine to those in bitter distress.^[c]
7 He will drink and forget his poverty,
    and his misery he will not remember any more.

⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteousness,
    and defend the poor and needy.