Proverbs 31:1 says, The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.  Matthew Henry says that most think that Lemuel was Solomon, and maybe the name was an affectionate name that his mother called him.  Whether Solomon, or another king, we accept that the One Who inspired the words is God.  The writer says that these are things his mother taught him, and mothers, especially Christian mothers, should teach their children the values of God.  Verse two asks, What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?  I believe this is just a call for the son to listen, based on the fact that she is his mother.  We should always listen when our mothers give us instruction.  As Matthew Henry says, it can also mean that she was questioning some of the king's actions.  Verse three declares, Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.  The king is warned against giving away his strength to women.  This is a warning against giving away one's character, or strength, chasing after things that could ultimately destroy a king, or even an ordinary person.  Verse four says, It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:  I believe this is a warning against being drunk.  Those in power should never allow their decisions to be influenced by alcohol, or any other mind altering substance.  Verse five tells us this, stating, Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.  Again, too much wine can alter a person's judgment, so those in power should never allow themselves to be controlled by it.  Verse six states, Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.  I believe that this means that strong wine or strong drinks should be used for medicinal purposes.  If someone is about to die or is very depressed, it may help them.  Still, we are not to become reliant on alcohol or drugs to relieve our heavy hearts.  Verse seven says, Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.  This is still referring to those near death or in extreme mental anguish.  Of course, it could mean that when people are drunk, they tend to forget everything else.  Verse eight says, Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.  Then verse nine continues, Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.  Kings, or rulers, should speak for those who cannot speak for themselves.  They are to judge righteously and defend the poor and needy.  The same is required by God for all those who follow Him.