1. These are the wise sayings that King Lemuel’s mother taught him:
2. I prayed for a son, and you are the son I gave birth to.
3. Don’t waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don’t waste yourself on them.
4. Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer.
5. They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away the rights of the poor.
6. Give beer to people without hope. Give wine to those who are in trouble.
7. Let them drink to forget their troubles. Let them forget they are poor.
8. Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble.
9. Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.
10. How hard it is to find the perfect wife. She is worth far more than jewels.
11. Her husband depends on her. He will never be poor.
12. She does good for her husband all her life. She never causes him trouble.
13. She is always gathering wool and flax and enjoys making things with her hands.