1. These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:
2. “You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you?
3. Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings.
4. Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol.
5. When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need.
6. Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery.
7. Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness.
8. “Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.