[1] The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
[2] What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
[3] Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
[4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
[5] Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
[6] Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
[7] Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
[8] Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
[9] Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
[10] Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
[11] The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
[12] She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
[13] She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
[14] She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
[15] She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
[16] She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
[17] She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
[18] She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
[19] She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
[20] She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
[21] She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
[22] She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
[23] Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
[24] She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
[25] Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
[26] She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
[27] She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
[28] Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:
[29] “Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.”
[30] Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears 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.