Proverbs 31

31:1

These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:

31:2

What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?

31:3

Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings.

31:4

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,

31:5

lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.

31:6

Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.

31:7

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

31:8

Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed.

31:9

Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.

31:10

A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

31:11

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value.

31:12

She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

31:13

She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

31:14

She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

31:15

She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.

31:16

She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

31:17

She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.

31:18

She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

31:19

She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

31:20

She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

31:21

When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.

31:22

She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

31:23

Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land.

31:24

She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.

31:25

Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.

31:26

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

31:27

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

31:28

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:

31:29

“Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”

31:30

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31:31

Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.