Proverbs 31:1-9 NIV

[1] The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him. [2] Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! [3] Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. [4] It is not for kings, Lemuel—it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, [5] lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. [6] Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! [7] Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. [8] Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. [9] Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character