Proverbs 31:1-9

1The sayings of King Lemuel, a prophetic revelation, used by his mother to discipline him.

2“What, my son? What, son to whom I gave birth? What, son of my prayers?

3Don’t give your strength to women or your power to those who ruin kings.

4“It is not for kings, Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave liquor.

5Otherwise, they drink and forget what they have decreed and change the standard of justice for all oppressed people.

6Give liquor to a person who is dying and wine to one who feels resentful.

7Such a person drinks and forgets his poverty and does not remember his trouble anymore.

8“Speak out for the one who cannot speak, for the rights of those who are doomed.

9Speak out, judge fairly, and defend the rights of oppressed and needy people.”