1The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2Listen, my son? Listen, son of my womb, the answer to my prayer! 3Do not waste your strength on women, nor your vigor on what destroys kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor to crave strong drink, 5For if they drink, they may forget the law, and fail to exercise justice for the oppressed. 6Leave strong drink to him that is about to die, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts. 7Let them drink, and forget their poverty and misery. 8Speak for those that cannot speak and for all that are appointed to die. Speak up, and ensure justice in the cause of the poor and needy.

10Who can find a virtuous woman? She is far more precious than rubies. 11Her husband can completely trust in her, so that he shall have no lack of gain. 12She will do him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13She selects wool, and flax, and works diligently with her hands. 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15She rises while it is still night, and provides food to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She evaluates a field, and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 17She goes about her work with vigor, and strengthens her arms. 18She perceives that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out at night. 19Her hands are busy spinning thread, and her fingers twisting fiber. 20She welcomes the poor with outstretched arms; yes, she reaches out to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household; because all her household are provided with warm clothes. 22She makes her own bedspreads of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is respected at the city gate, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24She makes fine linen, and sells it, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 25Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She speaks with wisdom, and instructs with kindness. 27She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not indulge in idleness. 28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29“Many women have done virtuously, but you surpass them all.” 30Charm can deceive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her own works bring her praise in the gates.