1. The words of Lemuel, king of Massa, the instruction 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 vigor to women,or your strength to those who ruin kings.
4. It is not for kings, Lemuel,not for kings to drink wine;strong drink is not for princes,
5. Lest in drinking they forget what has been decreed,and violate the rights of any who are in need.
6. Give strong drink to anyone who is perishing,and wine to the embittered;