1 The sayings of King Lemuel-an oracle1 31:1 Or of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him: |
2 "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,2 31:2 Or / the answer to my prayers |
3 do not spend your strength on women,
your vigor on those who ruin kings. |
4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel-
not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer, |
5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. |
6 Give beer to those who are perishing,
wine to 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."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character |