English Standard Version

International Standard Version

1The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

1The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.

2What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?

2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth!

3Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

3Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,

4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.

5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.

6Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

6Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.

7let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

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

8Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.

8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.

9Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

10An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.

12She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

12She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life.

13She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.

14She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.

15She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

15She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.

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

16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.

17She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.

18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

18She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.

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

19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle.

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

20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.

21She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.

22She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

22She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.

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

23Her husband is well known; he sits among the leaders of the land.

24She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

24She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers.

25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

25Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future.

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

26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.

27She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

27She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy.

28Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

28Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:

29“Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

29"Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!"

30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

30Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.

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

31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise.

ESV Text Edition: 2016. The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®) copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. The ESV® text has been reproduced in cooperation with and by permission of Good News Publishers. Unauthorized reproduction of this publication is prohibited. All rights reserved.

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