1 The sayings of King Lemuel – an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 Do not spend your strength on women,your vigour on those who ruin kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel –it is not for kings to drink wine,not for rulers to crave beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed,and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing,wine for those who are in anguish!