Proverbs Chapter 31 (ESV)

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undefined The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

undefined What are you doing, my son? What are you doing, son of my womb? What are you doing, son of my vows?

undefined Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

undefined It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to take strong drink,

undefined lest they drink and forget what has been decreed and pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

undefined Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

undefined let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

undefined Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.

undefined Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

undefined An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

undefined The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

undefined She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

undefined She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

undefined She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

undefined She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens.

undefined She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

undefined She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong.

undefined She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

undefined She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

undefined She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

undefined She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet.

undefined She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

undefined Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

undefined She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

undefined Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

undefined She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

undefined She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

undefined Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

undefined “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

undefined Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

undefined Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

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