1 The devarim of Lemuel Melech, the massa (burden, oracle) that immo taught him.
2 What, my bar (son, see Ps 2:12)? And what, the bar of my womb? And what, the bar of my nedarim (vows)?
3 Give not thy strength unto nashim, nor thy drakhim to that which destroyeth melachim.
4 It is not for melachim, O Lemuel, it is not for melachim to drink yayin; nor for rulers to crave strong drink;
5 Lest they drink, and forget the decree, and pervert the justice of the bnei oni (all the oppressed afflicted people).
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and yayin unto those that be of bitter nefesh.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his amal (misery) no more.