| 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. | |