Proverbs 31

1The words of King Lemuel, the oracle his mother taught him.

2What, my son! What, son of my womb! What, son of my vows!

3Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to what destroys kings.

4Kings do not, Lemuel—kings do not drink wine; nor do princes strong drink: “Where is it?”

5Lest he drink and forget the decree, and alter the judgment of all the afflicted.

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

7Let him drink his fill and forget his poverty and grievous toil, never remembering it again.

8Open your mouth for the voiceless in the cause of all children of destruction.

9Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and execute justice for the afflicted and needy.

10Who can find a valiant woman? Her price is far above rubies.

11Her husband's heart trusts confidently in her, and he lacks no plunder.

12She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.

13She seeks wool and flax, and works gladly with her hands.

14She is like merchant ships, bringing her bread from afar.

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

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

17She girds her waist with strength and strengthens her arms.

18She finds her trade good. Her lamp does not go out by night.

19She stretches out her hands to the spindle, and her palms hold the staff.

20She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.

21She does not fear snow for her household, for all her household is clothed in scarlet.

22She fashions tapestry coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

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

24She makes and sells fine linen, and gives girdles to the merchant.

25Strength and splendor clothe her; she laughs at the coming day.

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

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

28Her children rise up and bless her; her husband praises her too.

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

30Charm proves false, and beauty is empty; but a woman who fears Yahweh—she shall be praised.

31Give her from the fruit of her hands, and let her deeds praise her in the gates.