Proverbs 31:4 - Forerunner Commentary

Proverbs 31:4

2 What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, ^ason of my vows?

3 ^aDo not give your strength to women,
Nor your ways ^bto that which destroys kings.

4 ^aIt is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;

5 ^aLest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all¹ the afflicted.

6 ^aGive strong drink to him who is perishing,
And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

7 Let him drink and forget his poverty,
And remember his misery no more.

Verse Comparison: Proverbs 31:4

American Standard Version
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes `to say', Where is strong drink?

Amplified® Bible
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink,

Contemporary English Version
Kings and leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink.

Darby English Version
It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers [to say], Where is the strong drink?

Good News Bible
Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol.

King James Version
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

New American Standard Bible
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,

New International Version
"It is not for kings, O Lemuel—
not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer,

New King James Version
It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;

N.A.S.B. in E-Prime
It does not seem proper for kings, O Lemuel, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,

Revised Standard Version
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink;

Young's Literal Translation
Not for kings, O Lemuel, Not for kings, to drink wine, And for princes a desire of strong drink.

New English Translation
It is not for kings,¹ O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine,² or for rulers to crave strong drink,³