31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

31:2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes [to say], Where is strong drink?

31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice [due] to any that is afflicted.

31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:

31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.

31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.

31:10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

31:11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.

31:12 She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.

31:13 She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.

31:14 She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.

31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.

31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.

31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.

31:19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.

31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

31:22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.

31:24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.

31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.

31:28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband [also], and he praiseth her, [saying]:

31:29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.

31:30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; [But] a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.