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It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine.
    Rulers should not crave alcohol.
For if they drink, they may forget the law
    and not give justice to the oppressed.
Alcohol is for the dying,
    and wine for those in bitter distress.
Let them drink to forget their poverty
    and remember their troubles no more.

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It is not for kings, Lemuel—
    Not for kings to drink wine
        or for rulers to desire liquor.
Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained,
    perverting justice for all the oppressed.

Give liquor to someone who is perishing,
    and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.[a]
Let him drink, forget his poverty,
    and remember his troubles no more.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:6 Lit. one whose soul is bitter

Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
    and see that they get justice.

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Speak up, judge righteously,
    and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

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