Proverbs 31

1The words of king Lemuel; the revelation which his mother taught him. 2Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! “Oh, my son! 3nor your ways to that which destroys kings. Don’t give your strength to women, 4it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ It is not for kings, Lemuel; 5and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. lest they drink, and forget the law, 6and wine to the bitter in soul: Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; 7and remember his misery no more. Let him drink, and forget his poverty, 8in the cause of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth for the mute, 9and serve justice to the poor and needy.” Open your mouth, judge righteously, 10For her price is far above rubies. * Who can find a worthy woman? 11He shall have no lack of gain. The heart of her husband trusts in her. 12all the days of her life. She does him good, and not harm, 13and works eagerly with her hands. She seeks wool and flax, 14She brings her bread from afar. She is like the merchant ships. 15gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls. She rises also while it is yet night, 16With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. She considers a field, and buys it. 17and makes her arms strong. She arms her waist with strength, 18Her lamp doesn’t go out by night. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. 19and her hands hold the spindle. She lays her hands to the distaff, 20yes, she extends her hands to the needy. She opens her arms to the poor; 21for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She is not afraid of the snow for her household; 22Her clothing is fine linen and purple. She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. 23when he sits among the elders of the land. Her husband is respected in the gates, 24and delivers sashes to the merchant. She makes linen garments and sells them, 25She laughs at the time to come. Strength and dignity are her clothing. 26Faithful instruction is on her tongue. She opens her mouth with wisdom. 27and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. She looks well to the ways of her household, 28Her husband also praises her: Her children rise up and call her blessed. 29but you excel them all.” “Many women do noble things, 30but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; 31Let her works praise her in the gates! Give her of the fruit of her hands!