Proverbs 31 : 1 (NLT)
The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.
Proverbs 31 : 2 (NLT)
O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
Proverbs 31 : 3 (NLT)
do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
Proverbs 31 : 4 (NLT)
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
Proverbs 31 : 5 (NLT)
For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
Proverbs 31 : 6 (NLT)
Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.
Proverbs 31 : 7 (NLT)
Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.
Proverbs 31 : 8 (NLT)
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
Proverbs 31 : 9 (NLT)
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
Proverbs 31 : 10 (NLT)
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
Proverbs 31 : 11 (NLT)
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
Proverbs 31 : 12 (NLT)
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31 : 13 (NLT)
She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
Proverbs 31 : 14 (NLT)
She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar.
Proverbs 31 : 15 (NLT)
She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.
Proverbs 31 : 16 (NLT)
She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Proverbs 31 : 17 (NLT)
She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
Proverbs 31 : 18 (NLT)
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
Proverbs 31 : 19 (NLT)
Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
Proverbs 31 : 20 (NLT)
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
Proverbs 31 : 21 (NLT)
She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
Proverbs 31 : 22 (NLT)
She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
Proverbs 31 : 23 (NLT)
Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
Proverbs 31 : 24 (NLT)
She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
Proverbs 31 : 25 (NLT)
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
Proverbs 31 : 26 (NLT)
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
Proverbs 31 : 27 (NLT)
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
Proverbs 31 : 28 (NLT)
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
Proverbs 31 : 29 (NLT)
"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
Proverbs 31 : 30 (NLT)
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
Proverbs 31 : 31 (NLT)
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
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