1The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
2What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
3Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
5Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
7Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
8Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
9Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
