1. The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:
2. What, my son? And what, the son of my womb?And what, the son of my vows?
3. Do not give your strength to women,nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel,it is not for kings to drink wine,nor for princes strong drink;
5. lest they drink and forget the law,and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted.
6. Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish,and wine to those who are of heavy hearts.
7. Let him drink, and forget his poverty,and remember his misery no more.
8. Open your mouth for the speechlessin the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9. Open your mouth, judge righteously,and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10. Who can find a virtuous woman?For her worth is far above rubies.
11. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her,so that he will have no lack of gain.
12. She will do him good and not evilall the days of her life.
13. She seeks wool and flax,and works willingly with her hands.