Proverbs 31

Sayings of King Lemuel

1 The sayings of King Lemuel, an oracle his mother taught him.

2 Listen, my son, son of my womb, answer, son of my vows.

3 Do not waste your strength on women or on those who ruin kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave beer.

5 If they drink, they forget what is decreed and mess up justice for the oppressed.

6 Give beer to the dying and wine to those in misery.

7 Let them drink and forget their poverty, remembering pain no more.

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of the helpless.

9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

The Virtuous Woman

10 A noble woman, who can find her, She worth far more than jewels.

11 Her man trusts her completely; she brings him gain, not loss.

12 She does him good, not harm, all her life.

13 She finds wool and flax and works it with eager hands.

14 She like merchant ships bringing food from afar.

15 She rises early, feeds her household, and plans for her servants.

16 She checks out a field and buys it; from her profits she plants a vineyard.

17 She wraps herself in strength and gets her hustle on.

18 She sees her business paying off; her lamp stays burning all night.

19 Her hands work the spindle and grasp the distaff.

20 She opens her hands to the poor and helps the needy.

21 She does not fear for her family when it snows, they all got warm clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads; her clothes fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband respected at the city gates where leaders sit.

24 She makes garments and sells them; she supplies merchants with sashes.

25 She clothed with strength and dignity; she laughs at the days ahead.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and kindness stays on her tongue.

27 She watches over her house and never eats the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband praises her.

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

30 Charm deceptive, beauty fades, but a woman who fears the Lord deserves praise.

31 Honor her for what she has done; let her works praise her at the city gates.