Against Immorality and Intemperance

31 The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him.

2 O son whom I bore, give heed to my words;

and observe my sayings, you son of my vows.

3 Give not your strength to women,

nor your love to those that slay kings.

4 Nor for kings is it right to drink wine,

or for princes to long for strong drink;

5 Lest in drink they forget the law,

and do wrong to the cause of the sorrowful.

6 But give drink to him who is perishing,

and wine to the bitter in soul;

7 so that in drink he forget his poverty,

and think of his sorrow no more.

8 Open your mouth for the widow,

do right by all fatherless children.

9 Open your mouth in just judgment.

defend the poor and the needy.