3. Don’t waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don’t waste yourself on them.
4. Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer.
5. They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away the rights of the poor.
6. Give beer to people without hope. Give wine to those who are in trouble.
7. Let them drink to forget their troubles. Let them forget they are poor.
8. Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble.