Proverbs 31:1-18 ▼

1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle unto which his mother disciplined him:

2 What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

3 Do not give your excellence to women, Or your ways to that which blots out kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,

5 Lest he drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those whose soul is bitter.

7 Let him drink and forget his poverty And he will not remember his trouble any longer.

8 Open your mouth for the mute, For the justice of all those passing away.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And render justice to the afflicted and needy.

10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above pearls.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.

12 She deals bountifully with him for good and not evil All the days of her life.

13 She searches for wool and flax And works with her hands in delight.

14 She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar.

15 And she rises while it is still night, And gives food to her household And a portion to her young women.

16 She makes plans for a field and buys it; From the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself with strength And makes her arms strong.

18 She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night.