NET Bible

The Words of Lemuel

^31:1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:

^31:2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, ^31:3 do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings. ^31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave strong drink, ^31:5 lest they drink and forget what is decreed and remove from all the poor their legal rights. ^31:6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing and wine to those who are bitterly distressed; ^31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more. ^31:8 Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying. ^31:9 Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Wife of Noble Character23

^31:10 Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies. ^31:11 Her husband’s heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends. ^31:12 She has rewarded him with good and not harm all the days of her life. ^31:13 She sought out wool and flax, then worked happily with her hands. ^31:14 She was like the merchant ships; she would bring in her food from afar. ^31:15 Then she rose while it was still night, and provided food for her household and a portion to her female servants. ^31:16 She considered a field and bought it; from her own income she planted a vineyard. ^31:17 She clothed herself in might, and she strengthened her arms. ^31:18 She perceived that her merchandise was good. Her lamp would not go out in the night. ^31:19 She extended her hands to the spool, and her hands grasped the spindle. ^31:20 She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy. ^31:21 She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet, ^31:22 because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple. ^31:23 Her husband is well known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land. ^31:24 She made linen garments then sold them and traded belts to the merchants; ^31:25 her clothing was strong and splendid; and she laughed at the time to come. ^31:26 She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue. ^31:27 Watching over the ways of her household, she would not eat the bread of idleness. ^31:28 Her children have risen and called her blessed; her husband also has praised her: ^31:29 “Many daughters have done valiantly, but you have surpassed them all!” ^31:30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting. A woman who fears the Lord —she makes herself praiseworthy. ^31:31 Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.