Proverbs 31
Open Word Bible
The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: “What shall I say, my son? What, child of my womb? What, son of my vows? Do not pour out your strength on women, nor your life on what brings kings to ruin. It is not for kings, Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to crave strong drink, or they will drink, forget the law, and bend justice against everyone who suffers. Give strong drink to someone who is dying, and wine to those whose hearts are bitter. Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. Open your mouth for those who have no voice, for the cause of all who are left to perish. Speak out and judge rightly; take up the case of the poor and the needy.”
A capable wife, who can find her? She is worth far more than red coral. Her husband trusts her completely; he never runs short of gain. She is good to him, never harmful, as long as she lives. She looks for wool and flax and works gladly with her hands. She is like a trader’s ships, bringing her food from far away. She gets up while it is still dark to provide food for her household and a share for her servant girls. She looks over a field and buys it; with what she has earned she plants a vineyard. She wraps herself in strength like a belt, and her arms are firm for the work. She sees that her business turns a good profit; her lamp stays lit at night. She reaches her hands to the distaff, and her fingers hold the spindle. Her hand is open to the poor; she reaches out to help the needy. Snow holds no fear for her when she thinks of her household, for every one of them is dressed in scarlet. She makes her own bedspreads; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gates, where he takes his seat with the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies sashes to the traders. Strength and splendor clothe her, and she laughs at the time to come. Her words are wise, and the teaching she gives is full of loyal love. She keeps a close watch on all that goes on in her house; she never eats food she has not worked for. Her children rise and speak of her as blessed; her husband too gives her praise: “Many women have shown strength and worth, but you rise above them all.” Charm can deceive and beauty fades like a breath, but a woman who fears the LORD is the one to be praised. Give her a share of what her hands have produced, and let her deeds bring her praise at the city gates.
Proverbs
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Scripture quotations are from the Open Word Bible, which is in the public domain.