Proverbs 31:1-9 The words of Lemuel the king,––the strain which was taught him by his mother:–

Rotherham⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ The words of Lemuel the king,––the strain which was taught him by his mother:–– ² What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? aye what, the son of my vows? ³ Do not give, to women, thy strength, nor thy ways, to them who ruin kings. ⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor, for dignitaries, to desire strong drink, ⁵ Lest he drink, and forget that which is decreed, and alter the plea of any who are sorely oppressed. ⁶ Give strong drink, to him that is perishing, and wine, to such as are embittered in soul: ⁷ Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and, his wearying toil, let him remember no more. ⁸ Open thy mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all the children of the departed. ⁹ Open thy mouth––judge righteously,––and administer justice for the poor and the needy.