3 Don’t spend your energy on womenor your efforts on those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer.
5 Otherwise, they will drink,forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
6 Give beer to one who is dyingand wine to one whose life is bitter.
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his povertyand remember his trouble no more.
8 Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.
9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.