Proverbs - Chapter 31 | New International Version

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