Pro31:1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:
Pro31:2 No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my vows!
Pro31:3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.
Pro31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink;
Pro31:5 or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed, and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.
Pro31:6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;
Pro31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.
Pro31:8 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.
Pro31:9 Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Pro31:10 A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Pro31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.
Pro31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
Pro31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.
Pro31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food from far away.
Pro31:15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and tasks for her servant-girls.
Pro31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
Pro31:17 She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.
Pro31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.
Pro31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
Pro31:20 She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.
Pro31:21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all her household are clothed in crimson.
Pro31:22 She makes herself coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
Pro31:23 Her husband is known in the city gates, taking his seat among the elders of the land.
Pro31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchant with sashes.
Pro31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
Pro31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Pro31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Pro31:28 Her children rise up and call her happy; her husband too, and he praises her:
Pro31:29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all."
Pro31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
Pro31:31 Give her a share in the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the city gates.