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