31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
31:2 Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!
31:3 Dont give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
31:4 It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?
31:5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
31:6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:
31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.
31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.
31:10 Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.
31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.
31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.
31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.
31:14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.
31:15 She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.
31:16 She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.
31:17 She arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.
31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesnt go out by night.
31:19 She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.
31:20 She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
31:22 She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
31:23 Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.
31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesnt eat the bread of idleness.
31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:
31:29 Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.
31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.
31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!