31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the burden wherewith his mother corrected him.
31:2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? and what, O son of my vows?
31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine: nor for princes to say: 'Where is strong drink?'
31:5 Lest they drink, and forget that which is decreed, and pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.
31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto the bitter in soul;
31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
31:10 A woman of valour who can find? for her price is far above rubies.
31:11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, and he hath no lack of gain.
31:12 She doeth him good and not evil all the days of her life.
31:13 She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
31:14 She is like the merchant-ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and maketh strong her arms.
31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her lamp goeth not out by night.
31:19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
31:22 She maketh for herself coverlets; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
31:24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; and she laugheth at the time to come.
31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and the law of kindness is on her tongue.
31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
31:28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her:
31:29 'Many daughters have done valiantly, but thou excellest them all.'
31:30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her works praise her in the gates.