^{1 Ref} The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

^{2 Ref} "Oh, my son!" Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!

^{3 Ref} Don't give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

^{4 Ref} It is not for kings, Lemuel; It is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'

^{5 Ref} Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.

^{6 Ref} Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; And wine to the bitter in soul:

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

^{8 Ref} Open your mouth for the mute, In the cause of all who are left desolate.

^{9 Ref} Open your mouth, judge righteously, And serve justice to the poor and needy."