¹ The words of King Lemuel,
an oracle that his mother taught him:

² What should I say, my son?
What, son of my womb?
What, son of my vows?
³ Don’t spend your energy on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.
⁴ It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine
or for rulers to desire beer.
⁵ Otherwise, they will drink,
forget what is decreed,
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
⁶ Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.
⁷ Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.
⁸ Speak up for those who have no voice,
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.
⁹ Speak up, judge righteously,
and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.