1
The sayings of King Lemuel - an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2
Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3
Do not spend your strength 1 on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4
It is not for kings, Lemuel -
it is not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,
5
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6
Let beer be for those who are perishing,
wine for those who are in anguish!
7
Let them drink and forget their poverty
and remember their misery no more.
8
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
9
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy.