31:1
The words of king Lemuel; the burden wherewith his mother corrected 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 that which is decreed, 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 appointed to destruction.

31:9
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

31:10
A woman of valour who can find? for her price is far above rubies.

31:11
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, and he hath 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 food from afar.

31:15
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth food to her household, and a portion 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 good; 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 coverlets; 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:

31:29
'Many daughters have done valiantly, but thou excellest them all.'

31:30
Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31:31
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her works praise her in the gates.