1 The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy with which his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Do not give thy strength nor thy ways unto the women who destroy kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor is beer for princes 5 lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give beer unto him that is ready to perish and wine unto those that have heavy hearts. 7 They drink and forget their need and remember their misery no more. 8 Open thy mouth for those who cannot speak in the judgment of all the sons of death. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and destitute.