Proverbs 31 — American Standard Version

The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.● What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?● Give not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.● It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes `to say', Where is strong drink?● Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice `due' to any that is afflicted.● Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:● Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.● Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.● Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.● A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.● The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.● She doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.● She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.● She is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.● She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.● She considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.● She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.● She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.● She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.● She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.● She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.● She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.● Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.● She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.● Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.● She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.● She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.● Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband `also', and he praiseth her, `saying':● Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.● Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; `But' a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.● Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.●