1 The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle his mother taught him: |
2 "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, |
3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. |
4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel--not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, |
5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. |
6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; |
7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. |
8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. |
9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." |
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. |
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. |
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. |
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. |
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. |
15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. |
16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. |
17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. |
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. |
19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. |
20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. |
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. |
22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. |
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. |
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. |
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. |
26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. |
27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. |
28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: |
29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." |
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. |
31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. |