| Chapter 31 |
1 |
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
|
2 |
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
|
3 |
Give not thy strength to women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
|
4 |
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
|
5 |
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
|
6 |
Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts.
|
7 |
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
|
8 |
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
|
9 |
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
|
10 |
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
|
11 |
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
|
12 |
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
|
13 |
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
|
14 |
She is like the merchant's ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
|
15 |
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
|
16 |
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
|
17 |
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
|
18 |
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
|
19 |
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
|
20 |
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yes, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
|
21 |
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
|
22 |
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
|
23 |
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
|
24 |
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles to the merchant.
|
25 |
Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
|
26 |
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
|
27 |
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
|
28 |
Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
|
29 |
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
|
30 |
Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
|
31 |
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
|