Advice from King Lemuel's Mother

Proverbs 31:1-9

The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!

Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’

lest they drink, and forget the decree, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.

Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”