The Book of Proverbs

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Chapter 31

1: 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 heavyhearts.

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 theland.

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 praisethher.

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.
Ecclesiastes 1

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