Proverbs 31
1. The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught * him.
2. What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3. Give * not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth * kings.
4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink * wine; nor for * princes * strong drink:
5. Lest they drink * , and forget * the law * , and pervert * the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6. Give * strong drink unto him that is ready to perish * , and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7. Let him drink * , and forget * his poverty, and remember * his misery no more.
8. Open * thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9. Open * thy mouth, judge * righteously, and plead * the cause of the poor and needy.
10. Who can find * a virtuous woman?for her price is far above rubies.
11. The heart of her husband doth safely trust * in her, so that he shall have no need * of spoil.
12. She will do * him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13. She seeketh * wool, and flax,and worketh * willingly with her hands.
14. She is like the merchants * ' ships; she bringeth * her food from afar.
15. She riseth * also while it is yet night, and giveth * meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16. She considereth * a field, and buyeth * it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth * a vineyard.
17. She girdeth * her loins with strength, and strengtheneth * her arms.
18. She perceiveth * that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out * by night.
19. She layeth * her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold * the distaff.
20. She stretcheth out * her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth * her hands to the needy.
21. She is not afraid * of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed * with scarlet.
22. She maketh * herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23. Her husband is known * in the gates, when he sitteth * among the elders of the land.
24. She maketh * fine linen, and selleth * it; and delivereth * girdles unto the merchant.
25. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice * in time to come.
26. She openeth * her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27. She looketh well * to the ways * of her household, and eateth * not the bread of idleness.
28. Her children arise up * , and call her blessed * ; her husband also, and he praiseth * her.
29. Many daughters have done * virtuously, but thou excellest * them all.
30. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised * .
31. Give * her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise * her in the gates.
