^{1 Ref} The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

^{2 Ref} What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

^{3 Ref} Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

^{4 Ref} It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

^{5 Ref} Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

^{6 Ref} Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

^{7 Ref} Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

^{8 Ref} Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

^{9 Ref} Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.