4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, [Eccl. 10:17; Hos. 4:11.]
5. Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted.
6. Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart.
7. Let him drink and forget his poverty and [seriously] remember his want and misery no more.
8. Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless; [I Sam. 19:4; Esth. 4:16; Job 29:15, 16.]
9. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy. [Lev. 19:15; Deut. 1:16; Job 29:12; Isa. 1:17; Jer. 22:16.]
10. A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov. 12:4; 18:22; 19:14.]
11. The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13. She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14. She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
15. She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. [Job 23:12.]
16. She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]