Proverbs of Solomon 31 The Advice King Lemuel's Mother Gave to Her Son

 Proverbs of Solomon 31

The Advice King Lemuel's Mother Gave to Her Son

1 The words of King Lemuel: the prophecy his mother taught him.

2 How, my son? And how, O son of my womb? And how, O son of my promises?

3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to the destroyer of kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes to desire strong drink.

5 Lest they drink and forget the statute, and pervert the judgment of all the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to those who perish, and wine to those who are bitter in spirit;

7 So that they drink and forget their poverty, and you remember their toil no more. 

8 Open your mouth for the dumb, for the justice of all who are desolate.

9 Open your mouth; judge righteously, and defend the rights of the poor and needy.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? Her value is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and she lacks no wealth.

12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

14 She is like a merchant ship: she brings her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidservants.

16 She considers a field, and acquires it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds her loins with strength, and makes her arms strong. 

18 She tastes and sees that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the spindle, and the palms of her hands grasp the distaff.

20 She opens her hand to the afflicted; she stretches out her hands to the needy.

21 She will not fear because of the snow, for her whole house is covered with double garments.

22 She makes tapestries for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits with the elders of the land.

24 She makes cloths of fine linen and sells them, and gives sashes to the merchants.

25 Strength and glory are her clothing, and she laughs at the coming day.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue. 

27 She looks to the way of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed, and her husband also praises her, saying,

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you surpass them all.

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.