[1] The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.
[2] O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
[3] do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
[4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
[5] For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
[6] Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.
[7] Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.
[8] Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
[9] Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
[10] Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
[11] Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
[12] She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
[13] She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
[14] She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
[15] She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
[16] She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
[17] She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
[18] She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
[19] Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
[20] She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
[21] She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
[22] She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
[23] Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
[24] She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
[25] She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
[26] When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
[27] She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
[28] Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
[29] “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”
[30] Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
[31] Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.