The Words of King Lemuel1 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.
The Virtues of Noble Woman א10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
ב11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
ג12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
ד13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
ה14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
ו15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
ז16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
ח17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
ט18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
י19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
כ20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
ל21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
מ22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
נ23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
ס24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
ע25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
פ26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
צ27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
ק28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
ר29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
ש30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
ת31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.