1. These are the sayings of King Lemuel. His mother taught them to him. She spoke them as if they came from God.
2. She said, "My son! My very own son! The son I prayed for!
3. Don't waste your strength on women. Don't waste it on those who destroy kings.
4. "Lemuel, it isn't good for kings to drink wine. It isn't good for rulers to long for beer.
5. If they do, they might drink and forget what the law commands. They might take away the rights of all those who are beaten down.
6. Give beer to those who are dying. Give wine to those who are sad and troubled.
7. Let them drink and forget how poor they are. Let them forget their suffering.
8. "Speak up for those who can't speak for themselves. Speak up for the rights of all those who are poor.
9. Speak up and judge fairly. Speak up for the rights of those who are poor and needy."