Proverbs 31
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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.
2O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, 2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth!
3Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings. 3Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, 4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.
5lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights. 5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.
6Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed; 6Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.
7let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more. 7Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more.
8Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying. 8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.
9Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.
10Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies. 10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.
11The heart of her husband has confidence in her, and he has no lack of gain. 11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.
12She brings him good and not evil all the days of her life. 12She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life.
13She obtains wool and flax, and she is pleased to work with her hands. 13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.
14She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. 14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.
15She also gets up while it is still night, and provides food for her household and a portion to her female servants. 15She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.
16She considers a field and buys it; from her own income she plants a vineyard. 16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.
17She begins her work vigorously, and she strengthens her arms. 17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.
18She knows that her merchandise is good, and her lamp does not go out in the night. 18She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.
19Her hands take hold of the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. 19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle.
20She extends her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy. 20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all of her household are clothed with scarlet. 21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.
22She makes for herself coverlets; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 22She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.
23Her husband is well-known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land. 23Her husband is well known; he sits among the leaders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 24She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers.
25She is clothed with strength and honor, 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 ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 27She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy.
28Her children 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:
29"Many daughters have done valiantly, but you surpass them all!" 29"Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!"
30Charm is deceitful 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 credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates. 31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise.
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Proverbs 30
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