King James Bible

International Standard Version

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

1The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.

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

2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth!

3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

3Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings.

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

4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.

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

5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.

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

6Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.

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

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

8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.

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

9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

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

10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.

11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.

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

12She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life.

13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.

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

14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.

15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

15She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.

16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.

18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

18She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.

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

19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle.

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

20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.

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

21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.

22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

22She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.

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

23Her husband is well known; he sits among the leaders of the land.

24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

24She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers.

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

25Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

27She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy.

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

28Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:

29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

29"Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!"

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

30Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.

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

31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise.

King James Bible, text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY.