1. These are the words of King Lemuel, the message his mother taught him:
2. “My son, I gave birth to you.You are the son I prayed for.
3. Don’t waste your strength on womenor your time on those who ruin kings.
4. “Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel,and rulers should not desire beer.
5. If they drink, they might forget the lawand keep the needy from getting their rights.
6. Give beer to people who are dyingand wine to those who are sad.