• The Words of King Lemuel’s Mother

  • 1 The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
  • 2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
  • 3 Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
  • 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
  • 5 Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
  • 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
  • 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
  • 8 Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
  • 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.

  • The Virtuous Wife

  • 10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
  • 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
  • 12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
  • 13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
  • 14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
  • 15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
  • 16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
  • 17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
  • 18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
  • 19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
  • 20 She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
  • 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
  • 22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
  • 23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
  • 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
  • 25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
  • 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
  • 27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
  • 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
  • 29 “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
  • 30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
  • 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates.