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

^{2 Ref} What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O 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 `to say', Where is strong drink?

^{5 Ref} Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice `due' to any that is afflicted.

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

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