• Sayings of King Lemuel

  • 1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
  • 2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
  • 3 Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
  • 4 It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
  • 5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
  • 6 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
  • 7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
  • 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
  • 9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

  • Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

  • 10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
  • 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
  • 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
  • 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
  • 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
  • 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
  • 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
  • 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
  • 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
  • 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
  • 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
  • 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
  • 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
  • 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
  • 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
  • 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
  • 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
  • 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
  • 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
  • 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
  • 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
  • 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.