Proverbs 31:1-9 NIV

Sayings of King Lemuel

¹ The sayings of King Lemuel—an oracle ^[a] his mother taught him:

² "O my son, O son of my womb,
O son of my vows, ^[b]

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

Footnotes:

Link to Proverbs 31:1-9 NIV:
http://www.Biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=Proverbs31:1-9&niv=yes