Proverbs 31

Chapter 31

The Sayings of King Lemuel

1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message,t which his mother taught him.
2 O my son, O son of my womb,
O son of my vows,3 do not waste your strength on women,
on those who ruin kings.4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine.
Rulers should not crave alcohol.5 For if they drink, they may forget the law
and not give justice to the oppressed.6 Alcohol is for the dying,
and wine for those in bitter distress.7 Let them drink to forget their poverty
and remember their troubles no more.8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves;
ensure justice for those being crushed.9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless,
and see that they get justice.

A Wife of Noble Character

10 tWho can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.11 Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.13 She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.14 She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.17 She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.19 Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.20 She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.21 She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warmt clothes.22 She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.23 Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.24 She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.25 She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.26 When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.27 She carefully watches everything in her household
and suffers nothing from laziness.28 Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.31 Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

PROVERBS 31

What King Lemuel's Mother //Taught Him

1 These are the sayings
that King Lemuel of Massa
was taught by his mother.

2 My son Lemuel, you were born
in answer to my prayers,
so listen carefully.

3 Don't waste your life
chasing after women!
This has ruined many kings.

4 Kings and leaders
should not get drunk
or even want to drink.

5 Drinking makes you forget
your responsibilities,
and you mistreat the poor.

6 Beer and wine are only
for the dying or for those
who have lost all hope.

7 Let them drink and forget
how poor and miserable
they feel.

8 But you must defend
those who are helpless
and have no hope.

9 Be fair and give justice
to the poor and homeless.

In Praise of a Good Wife

10 A truly good wife
is the most precious treasure
a man can find!

11 Her husband depends on her,
and she never
lets him down.

12 She is good to him
every day of her life,

13 and with her own hands
she gladly makes clothes.

14 She is like a sailing ship
that brings food
from across the sea.

15 She gets up before daylight
to prepare food for her family
and for her servants.t

16 She knows how to buy land
and how to plant a vineyard,

17 and she always works hard.

18 She knows when to buy or sell,
and she stays busy
until late at night.

19 She spins her own cloth,

20 and she helps the poor
and the needy.

21 Her family has warm clothing,
and so she doesn't worry
when it snows.

22 She does her own sewing,
and everything she wears
is beautiful.

23 Her husband is a well-known
and respected leader
in the city.

24 She makes clothes to sell
to the shop owners.

25 She is strong and graceful, t
as well as cheerful
about the future.

26 Her words are sensible,
and her advice
is thoughtful.

27 She takes good care
of her family
and is never lazy.

28 Her children praise her,
and with great pride
her husband says,

29 “There are many good women,
but you are the best!”

30 Charm can be deceiving,
and beauty fades away,
but a woman
who honors the [Lord]
deserves to be praised.

31 Show her respect—
praise her in public
for what she has done.