Proverbs 31:1-9 Counsel from King Lemuel’s Mother The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.

ISV⁽ⁱ⁾ ¹ Counsel from King Lemuel’s Mother The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him. ² No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth! ³ Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings. ⁴ It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor. ⁵ Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed. ⁶ Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed. ⁷ Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more. ⁸ Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction. ⁹ Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.