[31:1] The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
[31:2] What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?
[31:3] Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
[31:4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,
[31:5] lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
[31:6] Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
[31:7] let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
[31:8] Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.
[31:9] Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.