Proverbs 31
1 The words of Lemuel, king—the oracle his mother taught him.
2 What is it, my son? What is it, son of my womb? What is it, son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to ask, “Where is the strong drink?”
5 Otherwise, he may drink, forget what has been decreed, and twist the rights of all the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those whose lives are bitter.
7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the cause of all who are perishing.
9 Open your mouth, judge fairly, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.
10 A woman of noble character, who can find? Her worth is far beyond pearls.
11 Her husband's heart trusts in her, and he will lack no gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.
14 She is like merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.
15 She rises while it is still night, gives food to her household, and assigns portions to her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong.
18 She sees that her trade is profitable; her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She reaches out her hands to the distaff; her palms grasp the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She has no fear for her household when snow comes, for all her household is clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known at the city gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies merchants with belts.
25 Strength and splendor are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband also praises her.
29 “Many women have done great things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31 Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
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