Proverbs 31
New International Version - Proverbs 31 << | >> 12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031 31:1 The sayings of King Lemuel-an oracle his mother taught him: 31:2 'O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, 31:3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. 31:4 'It is not for kings, O Lemuel- not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, 31:5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. 31:6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish; 31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 31:8 'Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 31:9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.' Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character 31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 31:11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 31:12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 31:13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 31:14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 31:15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 31:17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 31:18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 31:19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 31:20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 31:21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 31:22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 31:23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 31:26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 31:27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 31:29 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' 31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.