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¹² It is an abomination to kings to do evil,
   for the throne is established by righteousness.
¹³ Righteous lips are the delight of a king,
   and he loves those who speak what is right.
⁴ By justice a king gives stability to the land,
   but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.
¹⁴ If a king judges the poor with equity,
   his throne will be established for ever.

The Teaching of King Lemuel’s Mother

31The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

² No, my son! No, son of my womb!
   No, son of my vows!
³ Do not give your strength to women,
   your ways to those who destroy kings.
⁴ It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
   it is not for kings to drink wine,
   or for rulers to desire^* strong drink;
⁵ or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed,
   and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
⁶ Give strong drink to one who is perishing,
   and wine to those in bitter distress;
⁷ let them drink and forget their poverty,
   and remember their misery no more.
⁸ Speak out for those who cannot speak,
   for the rights of all the destitute.^*
9 Speak out, judge righteously,
   defend the rights of the poor and needy.