Proverbs Chapter 31

1 The words of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him:

2 What, my son? What, son who came from within me? What, son of my promises?

3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink.

Proverbs Chapter 31

5 Or they might drink and forget the law, and go against the rights of all who are suffering.

6 Give strong drink to him who is about to die, and wine to him whose life is full of trouble.

7 Let him drink and forget how poor he is, and remember his trouble no more.

8 Open your mouth for those who cannot speak, and for the rights of those who are left without help.

Proverbs Chapter 31

9 Open your mouth. Be right and fair in what you decide. Stand up for the rights of those who are suffering and in need.

10 Who can find a good wife? For she is worth far more than rubies that make one rich.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will never stop getting good things.

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

Proverbs Chapter 31

13 She looks for wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

14 She is like ships that trade. She brings her food from far away.

15 She rises while it is still night and makes food for all those in her house. She gives work for the young women to do.

16 She gives careful thought to a field and buys it. She plants grape-vines from what she has earned.

Proverbs Chapter 31

17 She makes herself ready with strength, and makes her arms strong.

18 She sees that what she has earned is good. Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the wheel to make cloth.

20 She opens her hand to the poor, and holds out her hands to those in need.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for those in her house, for all of them are dressed in red.

Proverbs Chapter 31

22 She makes coverings for herself. Her clothes are linen cloth and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the leaders of the land.

24 She makes linen clothes and sells them. She brings belts to those who trade.

25 Her clothes are strength and honor. She is full of joy about the future.

Proverbs Chapter 31

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. The teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of those in her house, and does not eat the bread of doing nothing.

28 Her children rise up and honor her. Her husband does also, and he praises her, saying:

29 "Many daughters have done well, but you have done better than all of them."

Proverbs Chapter 31

30 Pleasing ways lie and beauty comes to nothing, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

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