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It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink,(A)

Lest they drink and forget the law and what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted.

Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart.

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It is not for kings, Lemuel—
    it is not for kings to drink wine,(A)
    not for rulers to crave beer,
lest they drink(B) and forget what has been decreed,(C)
    and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
Let beer be for those who are perishing,
    wine(D) for those who are in anguish!

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