Words of King Lemuel

1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

3Give not your strength unto women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted.

6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

8Open your mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all who are left desolate.

9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

The Virtuous Wife

10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11The heart of her husband does safely trust in her, so that he shall have no lack of gain.

12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar.

15She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidservants.

16She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17She girds her loins with strength, and strengthens her arms.

18She perceives that her merchandise is good: her lamp goes not out by night.

19She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

20She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

24She makes fine linen, and sells it; and delivers sashes unto the merchants.

25Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26She opens her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is the law of kindness.

27She looks well to the ways of her household, and eats not the bread of idleness.

28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.

30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.