Proverbs 31

1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.⋮

2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?⋮

3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.⋮

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:⋮

5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.⋮

6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.⋮

7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.⋮

8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.⋮

9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.⋮

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.⋮

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.⋮

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.⋮

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.⋮

14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.⋮

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.⋮

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.⋮

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.⋮

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.⋮

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.⋮

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.⋮

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.⋮

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.⋮

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.⋮

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.⋮

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.⋮

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.⋮

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.⋮

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.⋮

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.⋮

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.⋮

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.⋮