Proverbs 31:1-9

Christian Standard Bible Anglicised

² What should I say, my son?
What, son of my womb?^(B)
What, son of my vows?
³ Don’t spend your energy^(C) on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.^(D)
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings^(E) to drink wine^(F)
or for rulers to desire beer.
⁵ Otherwise, he will drink,
forget what is decreed,^(G)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.^[b](H)
6 Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.^(I)
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.^(J)
8 Speak up^[c] for those who have no voice,^[d](K)
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.^[e]
9 Speak up, judge righteously,^(L)
and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.^(M)