Proverbs 31 NKJV ISV Parallel

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◄ Proverbs 31 ►

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1The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:

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

2What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, 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, Nor your ways to that which destroys 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, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;

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

5Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.

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

6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.

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

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

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

8Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.

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

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

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

10Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.

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

11The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So 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 evil 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 willingly works with her hands.

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

14She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.

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

15She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.

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; From her profits she plants a vineyard.

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

17She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.

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

18She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.

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

19She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.

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

20She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she 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 is clothed with scarlet.

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

22She makes tapestry 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, And supplies sashes for the merchants.

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

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

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

26She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.

26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.

27She watches over 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 daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”

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

30Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall 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 own works praise her in the gates.

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

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