Proverbs Scripture Reading - Proverbs 31:1-9

Proverbs 31:1-9 English Standard Version

The Words of King Lemuel

1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

2 What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb?

    What are you doing, son of my vows?

3 Do not give your strength to women,

    your ways to those who destroy kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,

    it is not for kings to drink wine,

    or for rulers to take strong drink,

5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed

    and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing,

    and wine to those in bitter distress;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty

    and remember their misery no more.

8 Open your mouth for the mute,

    for the rights of all who are destitute.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously,

    defend the rights of the poor and needy.