1 The words of Lemuel, the king—an oracle that his mother taught him:
2 What, my son? And what, my son in my womb? And what, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to the women, and your ways to destroy kings.
4 It is not for the kings, O Lemuel; drinking wine is not for the kings, nor is strong drink for rulers.
5 Or else he will drink and forget what has been decreed, and he will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress.