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1 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. | |
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. | |
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. | |
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. | |
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. | |
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. | |
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. | |
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. | |
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. | |
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. | |
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. | |
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. | |
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. | |
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. | |
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. | |
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. | |
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. | |
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. | |
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. | |
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. | |
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. | |
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. | |
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. | |
