Proverbs   

Chapter

31:1The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle his mother taught him:
31:2"O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
31:3do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
31:4"It is not for kings, O Lemuel--not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
31:5lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
31:6Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;
31:7let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
31:8"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
31:9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
31:10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
31:11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
31:12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
31:13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
31:14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
31:15She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
31:16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
31:17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
31:18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
31:19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
31:20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
31:21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
31:22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
31:23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
31:24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
31:25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
31:26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
31:27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
31:28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
31:29"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
31:30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31:31Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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