It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings(A) to drink wine(B)
or for rulers to desire beer.
Otherwise, they[a] will drink,
forget what is decreed,(C)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.[b](D)
Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:5 Lit he
  2. Proverbs 31:5 Lit sons of affliction

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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