1 THE WORDS of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him:
2 What, my 1 son? What, son of my womb? What [shall I advise you], son of my vows and dedication to God? 3 Give not your strength to [loose] women, nor your ways to those who and that which ruin and destroy kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and [seriously] remember his want and misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless; 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy.