Proverbs Chapter 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.