Proverbs 31
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Holman Christian Standard BibleInternational Standard Version
1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: 1The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.
2What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows? 2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth!
3Don't spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. 3Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings.
4It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. 4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.
5Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. 5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.
6Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter. 6Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.
7Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. 7Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more.
8Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. 8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.
9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. 9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.
10Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. 10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. 11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.
12She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life. 12She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life.
13She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. 13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.
14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. 14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.
15She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants. 15She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.
16She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. 16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.
17She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. 17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.
18She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. 18She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle. 19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle.
20Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. 20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.
21She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. 21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.
22She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 22She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.
23Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. 23Her husband is well known; he sits among the leaders of the land.
24She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants. 24She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers.
25Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. 25Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue. 26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.
27She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. 27She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy.
28Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:" 28Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:
29Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!" 29"Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!"
30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. 30Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates. 31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise.
Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation
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Proverbs 30
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