[1] These are the wise sayings of King Lemuel. His mother taught him these things.
[2] You are my son. The son that I love. You are the son that I prayed to have.
[3] Don’t waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don’t waste yourself on them.
[4] Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer.
[5] They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away all the rights of poor people.
[6] Give beer to the poor people. Give wine to those people who are in trouble.
[7] Let them drink and forget that they are poor. Let them forget all their troubles.
[8] ˻If a person can’t help himself, then you should help him.˼ Speak up for a person who can’t speak! Help people who are in trouble!
[9] Stand up for the things you know are right. And judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of poor people and people that need help.
[10] It is very hard to find “the perfect woman.” But she is worth much more than jewels.
[11] Her husband depends on her. He will never be poor.
[12] She does good for her husband all her life. She never causes him trouble.
[13] She is always gathering wool and flax and gladly making things with her hands.
[14] She is like a ship from a faraway place. She brings food home from everywhere.
[15] She wakes very early in the morning. She cooks food for her family and gives the servants their share.
[16] She looks at land and buys it. She uses money she has earned and plants a vineyard.
[17] She works very hard. She is strong and able to do all her work.
[18] When she trades the things she has made, she always earns a profit. And she works until late at night.
[19] She makes her own thread and weaves her own cloth.
[20] She always gives to poor people and helps people that need it.
[21] She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows. She has given them all good, warm clothes.
[22] She makes sheets and spreads for the beds. And she wears clothes of fine linen.
[23] People respect her husband. He is one of the leaders of the land.
[24] She is a very good businesswoman. She makes clothes and belts, and sells them to businessmen.
[25] She is praised and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence.
[26] She speaks with wisdom. She teaches people to be loving and kind.
[27] She is never lazy. She takes care of the things in her house.
[28] Her children say good things about her. Her husband brags about her and says,
[29] “There are many good women. But you are the best.”
[30] Grace and beauty can fool you. But a woman who respects the Lord should be praised.
[31] Give her the reward she deserves. Praise her in public for the things she has done.