Proverbs 31

1 the words of king lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him 2 what, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 3 give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings 4 it is not for kings, o lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink 5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted 6 give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts 7 let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more 8 open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction 9 open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy א 10 who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies ב 11 the heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil ג 12 she will do him good and not evil all the days of her life ד 13 she seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands ה 14 she is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar ו 15 she riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens ז 16 she considereth a field, and buyeth it with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard ח 17 she girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms ט 18 she perceiveth that her merchandise is good her candle goeth not out by night י 19 she layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff כ 20 she stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy ל 21 she is not afraid of the snow for her household for all her household are clothed with scarlet מ 22 she maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple נ 23 her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land ס 24 she maketh fine linen, and selleth it ; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant ע 25 strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come פ 26 she openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness צ 27 she looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness ק 28 her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also , and he praiseth her ר 29 many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all ש 30 favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain but a woman that feareth the lord, she shall be praised ת 31 give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates