3 Don’t waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don’t waste yourself on them.
4 Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer.
5 They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away the rights of the poor.
6 Give beer to people without hope. Give wine to those who are in trouble.
7 Let them drink to forget their troubles. Let them forget they are poor.
8 Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble.
9 Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.