Proverbs 31:1-9

1These are the words that King Lemuel's mother said to him. It is an important message:

2Be careful, my dear son. God answered my prayers when I gave birth to you. Please listen carefully!

3Do not chase after women and lose your strength. Women like that have destroyed kings.

4Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink lots of wine. They should not want strong drink.

5When kings drink alcohol, they forget to obey the law. They take away justice for helpless people.

6Give strong drink to people who are dying. Give wine to people who are very upset.

7Then they can forget how poor they are, or how sad they are.

8Speak on behalf of people who cannot speak for themselves. Help helpless people to receive justice.

9Speak clearly to help them. Judge people in a way that is fair and right. Help poor and helpless people to receive justice.