Holman Christian Standard Bible

New Living Translation

1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:

1The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.

2What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?

2O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

3Don't spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings.

3do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.

4It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.

5Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.

5For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.

6Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter.

6Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.

7Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.

7Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.

8Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.

8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.

9Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. A Wife of Noble Character

10Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.

11Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

12She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.

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

13She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands.

13She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.

14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.

14She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.

15She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants.

15She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

16She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.

16She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.

17She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

18She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.

18She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

19She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.

19Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.

20Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.

20She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

21She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed.

21She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.

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

22She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

23Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.

23Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.

24She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.

24She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.

25She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

26She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue.

26When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

27She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.

27She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

28Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:"

28Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

29Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!"

29“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.

30Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

31Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.

31Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Holman Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission.

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.