^{1 Ref} The words of Lemuel, king of Massa: the teaching which he had from his mother.

^{2 Ref} What am I to say to you, O Lemuel, my oldest son? and what, O son of my body? and what, O son of my oaths?

^{3 Ref} Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which is the destruction of kings.

^{4 Ref} It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to take wine, or for rulers to say, Where is strong drink?

^{5 Ref} For fear that through drinking they may come to have no respect for the law, wrongly judging the cause of those who are in trouble.

^{6 Ref} Give strong drink to him who is near to destruction, and wine to him whose soul is bitter:

^{7 Ref} Let him have drink, and his need will go from his mind, and the memory of his trouble will be gone.

^{8 Ref} Let your mouth be open for those who have no voice, in the cause of those who are ready for death.

^{9 Ref} Let your mouth be open, judging rightly, and give right decisions in the cause of the poor and those in need.