1. These are the sayingsthat King Lemuel of Massawas taught by his mother.
2. My son Lemuel, you were bornin answer to my prayers,so listen carefully.
3. Don't waste your lifechasing after women!This has ruined many kings.
4. Kings and leadersshould not get drunkor even want to drink.
5. Drinking makes you forgetyour responsibilities,and you ill-treat the poor.
6. Beer and wine are onlyfor the dying or for thosewho have lost all hope.
7. Let them drink and forgethow poor and miserablethey feel.
8. But you must defendthose who are helplessand have no hope.
9. Be fair and give justiceto the poor and homeless.
10. A truly good wifeis the most precious treasurea man can find!
11. Her husband depends on her,and she neverlets him down.
12. She is good to himevery day of her life,
13. and with her own handsshe gladly makes clothes.
14. She is like a sailing shipthat brings foodfrom across the sea.