Proverbs 31
The Words of Lemuel
1The words of King Lemuel, a pronouncement that his mother taught him:23What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?4
5Don’t spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings.6
7It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer.8
9Otherwise, he will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.10
11Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter.12
13Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.14
15Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.16
17Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.18
In Praise of a Wife of Noble Character
19Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels.2021The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.22
23She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.24
25She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands.26
27She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.28
29She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants.30
31She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.32
33She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.34
35She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.36
37She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.38
39Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.40
41She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed.42
43She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.44
45Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.46
47She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.48
49Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.50
51Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.52
53She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.54
55Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her:56
57“Many women have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!”58
59Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.60
61Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.62