Proverbs 31

1verseThe words of King Lemuel—the revelation which his mother taught him:

2verse“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!

3verseDon’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4verseIt is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’

5verselest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.

6verseGive strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul.

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

8verseOpen your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

9verseOpen your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”

10verseWho can find a worthy woman? For her value is far above rubies.

11verseThe heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.

12verseShe does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

13verseShe seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.

14verseShe is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.

15verseShe rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.

16verseShe considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

17verseShe arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.

18verseShe perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.

19verseShe lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

20verseShe opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.

21verseShe is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22verseShe makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23verseHer husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

24verseShe makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

25verseStrength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.

26verseShe opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue.

27verseShe looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.

28verseHer children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:

29verse“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.”

30verseCharm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31verseGive her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!