Proverbs 31

₁These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:

₂“You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you? ₃Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings. ₄Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol. ₅When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need. ₆Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery. ₇Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness.

₈“Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. ₉Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy.”

₁₀How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels!

₁₁Her husband puts his confidence in her, and he will never be poor.

₁₂As long as she lives, she does him good and never harm.

₁₃She keeps herself busy making wool and linen cloth.

₁₄She brings home food from out-of-the-way places, as merchant ships do.

₁₅She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do.

₁₆She looks at land and buys it, and with money she has earned she plants a vineyard.

₁₇She is a hard worker, strong and industrious.

₁₈She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night.

₁₉She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth.

₂₀She is generous to the poor and needy.

₂₁She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing.

₂₂She makes bedspreads and wears clothes of fine purple linen.

₂₃Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens.

₂₄She makes clothes and belts, and sells them to merchants.

₂₅She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future.

₂₆She speaks with a gentle wisdom.

₂₇She is always busy and looks after her family's needs.

₂₈Her children show their appreciation, and her husband praises her.

₂₉He says, “Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all.”

₃₀Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honours the LORD should be praised.

₃₁Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.