Proverbs 31
KJV Parallel NIV [BSB CSB ESV HCS KJV ISV NAS NET NIV NLT HEB]
King James BibleNew International Version
1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.1The sayings of King Lemuel--an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?2Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.3Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin 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-- it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.6Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.7Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
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 and lacks nothing of value.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.29"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
King James Bible, text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Proverbs 30
Top of Page
Top of Page