The Words of King Lemuel

1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3Give not your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

6Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that be of heavy hearts.

7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8Open your mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtues of Noble Woman

א

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

ב

11The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

ג

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

ד

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

ה

14She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar.

ו

15She rises also while it is yet night, and gives meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

ז

16She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

ח

17She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.

ט

18She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle goes not out by night.

י

19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

כ

20She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

ל

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

מ

22She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

נ

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

ס

24She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers girdles to the merchant.

ע

25Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

פ

26She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

צ

27She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.

ק

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

ר

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.

ש

30Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

ת

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.