1 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. |
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. |