Woeto those who are heroesin drinkingwineAnd valiantmenin mixingstrongdrink,
They wentout at noon,while Ben-hadadwas drinkinghimself drunkin the temporaryshelterswith the thirty-twokingswho helpedhim.
"You shall not takea bribe,for a bribeblindsthe clear-sightedand subvertsthe causeof the just.
Wineis a mocker,strongdrinka brawler,And whoeveris intoxicatedby it is not wise.
Whohas woe?Whohas sorrow?Whohas contentions?Whohas complaining?Whohas woundswithoutcause?Whohas rednessof eyes?
It is not for kings,O Lemuel,It is not for kingsto drinkwine,Or for rulersto desirestrongdrink,
For they will drinkand forgetwhat is decreed,And pervertthe rightsof allthe afflicted.
Instead, there is gaietyand gladness,Killingof cattleand slaughteringof sheep,Eatingof meatand drinkingof wine:"Let us eatand drink,for tomorrowwe may die."
They do not drinkwinewith song;Strongdrinkis bitterto those who drinkit.
And thesealsoreelwith wineand staggerfrom strongdrink:The priestand the prophetreelwith strongdrink,They are confusedby wine,they staggerfrom strongdrink;They reelwhile having visions,They totter[when rendering] judgment.
Woeto those who riseearlyin the morningthat they may pursuestrongdrink,Who stayup latein the eveningthat winemay inflamethem!
"Come,"[they say], "let us getwine,and let us drinkheavilyof strongdrink;And tomorrowwill be like today,only moreso."
"Woeto you who make your neighborsdrink,Who mixin your venomevento make[them] drunkSoas to lookon their nakedness!
