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  Don't 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 girds her loins with strength, And makes her arms strong.

31:18  She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't 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 doesn't 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!