| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New Living Translation |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress. |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. A Wife of Noble Character |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. |
| 18[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 18She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. |
| 19[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 19Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. |
| 20[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 20She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. |
| 21[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 21She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. |
| 22[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 22She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. |
| 23[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 23Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. |
| 24[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 24She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. |
| 25[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 25She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. |
| 26[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 26When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. |
| 27[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 27She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. |
| 28[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 28Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: |
| 29[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 29“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!” |
| 30[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 30Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. |
| 31[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 31Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. |
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