1. The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
2. What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?
3. Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?
5. Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.
6. Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:
7. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
8. Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.
9. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.
10. A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.
11. The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.