The Words of Lemuel

1The words of King Lemuel,

a pronouncementa a that his mother taught him:

2What should I say, my son?

What, son of my womb?a

What, son of my vows?

3Don’t spend your energya on women

or your efforts on those who destroy kings.b

4It is not for kings, Lemuel,

it is not for kingsa to drink wineb

or for rulers to desire beer.

5Otherwise, he will drink,

forget what is decreed,a

and pervert justice for all the oppressed.a b

6Give beer to one who is dying

and wine to one whose life is bitter.a

7Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty

and remember his trouble no more.a

8Speak upA for those who have no voice,B a

for the justice of all who are dispossessed.C

9Speak up, judge righteously,a

and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.b

In Praise of a Wife of Noble Character

10Who can find a wife of noble character?a a

She is far more precious than jewels.B

11The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will not lack anything good.

12She rewards him with good, not evil,

all the days of her life.

13She selects wool and flax

and works with willing hands.

14She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from far away.a

15She rises while it is still nighta

and provides food for her household

and portionsA for her female servants.b

16She evaluates a field and buys it;

she plants a vineyard with her earnings.a a

17She draws on her strengthA

and reveals that her arms are strong.a

18She sees that her profits are good,

and her lamp never goes out at night.a

19She extends her hands to the spinning staff,

and her hands hold the spindle.a

20Her hands reachA out to the poor,

and she extends her hands to the needy.a

21She is not afraid for her household when it snows,

for all in her household are doubly clothed.A

22She makes her own bed coverings;a

her clothing is fine linenb and purple.c

23Her husband is known at the city gates,

where he sits among the elders of the land.a

24She makes and sells linen garments;

she delivers beltsA to the merchants.

25Strengtha and honor are her clothing,b

and she can laugh at the time to come.c

26Her mouth speaks wisdom,

and loving instructionA is on her tongue.

27She watches over the activities of her householda

and is never idle.A

28Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband also praises her:

29“Many womenA have done noble deeds,

but you surpass them all! ”a

30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,a

but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

31Give her the reward of her labor,A

and let her works praise her at the city gates.