Proverbs 31:3-5

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Don’t spend your energy^(A) on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.^(B)

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It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings^(C) to drink wine^(D)
or for rulers to desire beer.

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Otherwise, they^(a) will drink,
forget what is decreed,^(E)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.^(b)^(F)

a. Proverbs 31:5: Lit he

b. Proverbs 31:5: Lit sons of affliction

A. Proverbs 31:3: Proverbs 5:9

B. Proverbs 31:3: Deuteronomy 17:17; Nehemiah 13:26

C. Proverbs 31:4: Ecclesiastes 10:17

D. Proverbs 31:4: Proverbs 20:1

E. Proverbs 31:5: Hosea 4:11

F. Proverbs 31:5: Psalm 72:1-2; Isaiah 28:7