Chapter 31
1 The words of King Lemuel — the revelation which his mother taught him :
2 "Oh, my son ! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows !
3 Don’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings .
4 It is not for kings , Lemuel , it is not for kings to drink wine , nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink ?’
5 lest they drink , and forget the law , and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted .
6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul .
7 Let him drink , and forget his poverty , and remember his misery no more .
8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.
9 Open your mouth , judge righteously , and serve justice to the poor and needy ."
10 Who can find a worthy woman? For her value is far above rubies .
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her . He shall have no lack of gain .
12 She does him good , and not harm , all the days of her life .
13 She seeks wool and flax , and works eagerly with her hands .
14 She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar .
15 She rises also while it is yet night , gives food to her household , and portions for her servant girls .
16 She considers a field , and buys it . With the fruit of her hands , she plants a vineyard .
17 She arms her waist with strength , and makes her arms strong .
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night .
19 She lays her hands to the distaff , and her hands hold the spindle .
20 She opens her arms to the poor ; yes, she extends 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 makes for herself carpets of tapestry . Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected in the gates , when he sits amongst the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them , and delivers sashes to the merchant .
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing . She laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom . Kind instruction is on her tongue .
27 She looks well to the ways of her household , and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness .
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her :
29 " Many women do noble things , but you excel them all ."
30 Charm is deceitful , and beauty is vain ; but a woman who fears the LORD , she shall be praised .
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands ! Let her works praise her in the gates !