Proverbs 31:1-9 ▼

1 The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, the instruction his mother taught him:

2 What are you doing, my son! what are you doing, son of my womb; what are you doing, son of my vows!

3 Do not give your vigor to women, or your strength to those who ruin kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine; strong drink is not for princes,

5 Lest in drinking they forget what has been decreed, and violate the rights of any who are in need.

6 Give strong drink to anyone who is perishing, and wine to the embittered;

7 When they drink, they will forget their misery, and think no more of their troubles.

8 Open your mouth in behalf of the mute, and for the rights of the destitute;

9 Open your mouth, judge justly, defend the needy and the poor!