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.
14. She is like a ship from a faraway place. She brings home food from everywhere.
15. She wakes up early in the morning, cooks food for her family, and gives the servants their share.
16. She looks at land and buys it. She uses the money she has earned and plants a vineyard.
17. She works very hard. She is strong and able to do all her work.
18. She works late into the night to make sure her business earns a profit.
19. She makes her own thread and weaves her own cloth.
20. She always gives to the poor and helps those who need it.