Proverbs 31

The Words of King Lemuels Mother

1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?3 Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.4  It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.6 Give 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.8 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtuous Wife

10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:29 Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.

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.