It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

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(A)It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
(B)Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all [a]the afflicted.
(C)Give strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:5 Lit. sons of affliction

(A)It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
    it is not for kings (B)to drink wine,
    or for rulers to take (C)strong drink,
lest they drink and forget what has been decreed
    and (D)pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
Give strong drink to the one who (E)is perishing,
    and wine to (F)those in bitter distress;[a]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:6 Hebrew those bitter in soul