31:1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. 31:2 What, my son and what, O son of my womb And what, O son of my vows 31:3 Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes [to say], Where is strong drink 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice [due] to any that is afflicted. 31:6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul: 31:7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. 31:8 Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate. 31:9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy. 31:10 A worthy woman who can find For her price is far above rubies. 31:11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain. 31:12 She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life. 31:13 She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands. 31:14 She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar. 31:15 She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens. 31:16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 31:17 She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms. 31:18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night. 31:19 She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle. 31:20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 31:21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 31:22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land. 31:24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come. 31:26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue. 31:27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness. 31:28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband [also], and he praiseth her, [saying]: 31:29 Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all. 31:30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; [But] a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised. 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.