Proverbs 31

1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

3 Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:

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

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.

10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.

12 She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:

29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.

30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her 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 ill-treat 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 honours the Lord
deserves to be praised.

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