31:1 | The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle his mother taught him: |
31:2 | "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, |
31:3 | do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. |
31:4 | "It is not for kings, O Lemuel--not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, |
31:5 | lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. |
31:6 | Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; |
31:7 | let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. |
31:8 | "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. |
31:9 | Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." |
31:10 | A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. |
31:11 | Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. |
31:12 | She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. |
31:13 | She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. |
31:14 | She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. |
31:15 | She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. |
31:16 | She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. |
31:17 | She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. |
31:18 | She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. |
31:19 | In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. |
31:20 | She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. |
31:21 | When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. |
31:22 | She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. |
31:23 | Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. |
31:24 | She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. |
31:25 | She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. |
31:26 | She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. |
31:27 | She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. |
31:28 | Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: |
31:29 | "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." |
31:30 | Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. |
31:31 | Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. |
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