Proverbs 31
v1
The words of king Lemuel; the revelation which his mother taught him.
v2
“Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!
v3
Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
v4
It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?‘
v5
lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
v6
Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul.
v7
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
v8
Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.
v9
Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”
v10
Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.
v11
The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.
v12
She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
v13
She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.
v14
She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.
v15
She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.
v16
She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.
v17
She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.
v18
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.
v19
She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
v20
She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
v21
She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
v22
She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
v23
Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
v24
She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.
v25
Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
v26
She opens her mouth with wisdom. Kind instruction is on her tongue.
v27
She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.
v28
Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:
v29
“Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.”
v30
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
v31
Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!