1. The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, the instruction his mother taught him:
2. What are you doing, my son!what are you doing, son of my womb;what are you doing, son of my vows!
3. Do not give your vigor to women,or your strength to those who ruin kings.
4. It is not for kings, Lemuel,not for kings to drink wine;strong drink is not for princes,
5. Lest in drinking they forget what has been decreed,and violate the rights of any who are in need.
6. Give strong drink to anyone who is perishing,and wine to the embittered;
7. When they drink, they will forget their misery,and think no more of their troubles.
8. Open your mouth in behalf of the mute,and for the rights of the destitute;
9. Open your mouth, judge justly,defend the needy and the poor!
10. Who can find a woman of worth?Far beyond jewels is her value.
11. Her husband trusts her judgment;he does not lack income.