Proverbs 31

1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:

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

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

4It is not for kings, Lemuel—not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to ask, “Where is strong drink?”

5lest he drink and forget what has been decreed, and pervert the justice due to all the afflicted.

6Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter anguish.

7Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his trouble no more.

8Open your mouth for the mute, for the cause of all who are passing away.

9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10A capable wife—who can find? Her worth is far beyond jewels.

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

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

13She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

14She is like merchant ships; from far away she brings her food.

15She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her servant girls.

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

17She girds her waist with strength and makes her arms strong.

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

19She puts her hands to the distaff, and her palms hold the spindle.

20She opens her palm to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

22She makes coverings for herself; fine linen and purple are her clothing.

23Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes to the merchant.

25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.

26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and kind instruction is on her tongue.

27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28Her children rise and call her blessed; her husband also praises her:

29Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.

30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vapor, but a woman who fears Yahweh shall be praised.

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