Don’t spend your energy(A) on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.(B)
It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings(C) to drink wine(D)
or for rulers to desire beer.
Otherwise, he will drink,
forget what is decreed,(E)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.[a](F)

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Footnotes

  1. 31:5 Lit sons of affliction

Do not spend your strength[a] on women,
    your vigor on those who ruin kings.(A)

It is not for kings, Lemuel—
    it is not for kings to drink wine,(B)
    not for rulers to crave beer,
lest they drink(C) and forget what has been decreed,(D)
    and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:3 Or wealth