Proverbs 31:1-9 - The Oracle Of King Lemuel

¹ The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

² "Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! ³ Don't give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. ⁴ It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?' ⁵ lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. ⁶ Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul: ⁷ Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. ⁸ Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. ⁹ Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."