31:1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him: 31:2 What are you doing, my son What are you doing, son of my womb What are you doing, son of my vows 31:3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings. 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink, 31:5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 31:6 Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress; 31:7 let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy. 31:10 An excellent wife who can find She is far more precious than jewels. 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. 31:12 She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 31:13 She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. 31:14 She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. 31:15 She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. 31:16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 31:17 She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 31:18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. 31:19 She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 31:20 She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. 31:21 She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 31:22 She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 31:23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 31:24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 31:26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 31:27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 31:29 "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all." 31:30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31:31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.