Proverbs

⁴It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, [Eccl. 10:17; Hos. 4:11.] ⁵Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted. ⁶Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart. ⁷Let him drink and forget his poverty and [seriously] remember his want and misery no more. ⁸Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate and defenseless; [I Sam. 19:4; Esth. 4:16; Job 29:15, 16.] ⁹Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy. [Lev. 19:15; Deut. 1:16; Job 29:12; Isa. 1:17; Jer. 22:16.] ¹⁰A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov. 12:4; 18:22; 19:14.]