Proverbs 31 NIV ISV Parallel

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◄ Proverbs 31 ►

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1The sayings of King Lemuel--an inspired utterance his mother taught him.

1The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.

2Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!

2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth!

3Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin 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, not for rulers to crave beer,

4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.

5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.

6Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!

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.

8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.

9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.

11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.

12She brings him good, not harm, 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 eager hands.

13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.

14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.

15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family 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 considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.

17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.

18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

18She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.

19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle.

20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.

21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.

22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

22She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.

23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among 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 dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

25Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future.

26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.

27She watches over the affairs 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 arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

28Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:

29"Many women do noble things, 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 is to be praised.

30Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.

31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise.

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