Proverbs 31 / 31
- 1The sayings of King Lemuel-an oracle his mother taught him:
- 2"O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
- 3do 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,
- 5lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
- 6Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;
- 7let 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.
- 9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
- 10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
- 11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
- 12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
- 13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
- 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
- 15She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
- 16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
- 17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
- 18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
- 19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
- 20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
- 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
- 22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
- 23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
- 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
- 25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
- 26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
- 27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
- 28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
- 29"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
- 30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
- 31Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.