31:1 The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle his mother taught him:

31:2 "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

31:3 do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.

31:4 "It is not for kings, O Lemuel--not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,

31:5 lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

31:6 Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;

31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

31:8 "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

31:9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

31:10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

31:11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

31:12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

31:13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

31:14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

31:15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

31:16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

31:17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

31:18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

31:19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

31:20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

31:21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

31:22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

31:23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

31:25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

31:26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

31:27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

31:28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

31:29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

31:30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31:31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.