[31:1] These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:
[31:2] “You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you?
[31:3] Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings.
[31:4] Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol.
[31:5] When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need.
[31:6] Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery.
[31:7] Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness.
[31:8] “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.
[31:9] Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy.”