1
The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
2
What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
3
Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
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Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
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Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
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Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
8
Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
9
Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10
Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
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The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
12
She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.