31 The words of king Lemuel,
the prophecy that his mother taught him. 2 What, my son? and what, the son of
my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor
thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is
not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law,
and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink unto him that is
ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
and remember his misery no more. 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the
cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously,
and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for
her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband doth safely
trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12 She will do him good and not evil
all the days of her life. 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh
willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants' ships;
she bringeth her food from afar. 15 She riseth also while it is yet night,
and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she
planteth a vineyard. 17 She
girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18 She
perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19 She
layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She
stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to
the needy. 21 She
is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed
with scarlet. 22 She
maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her
husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24 She
maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25 Strength
and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26 She
openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She
looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28 Her
children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth
her. 29 Many
daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30 Favour
is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth 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.