² Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb!
    Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!^(B)
3 Do not spend your strength^[a] on women,
    your vigor on those who ruin kings.^(C)

⁸ Speak^(A) 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.^(B)