THE
BOOK OF PROVERBS
Proverbs 31
1
¶ The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his
mother taught him.
2
What, my son? what, O son of my womb? what should I say O son of my
vows?
3
Do not give your strength to women, or your power to those who ruin kings.
4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is
not for kings to drink wine; or for rulers to drink strong drink:
5
Lest they drink, and forget what is right, and pervert justice for any of the
poor.
6
Give strong drink to him who is ready to die, and wine to those who have heavy
hearts.
7
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8
Speak out for those who cannot speak, for justice for all who are defenseless.
9
Open your mouth, to render fair decisions, and plead the cause of the poor and
needy.
10
¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her value is far above rubies.
11
The heart of her husband can confidently trust in her, and he will not lack
anything good.
12
She will do him good and not harm him all the days of her life.
13
She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
14
She is like a merchant ship; bringing food from far away.
15
She rises early while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and
assigns jobs to her maids.
16
She considers a field, and buys it: with what her hands have produced she
plants a vineyard.
17
She puts on strength like a garment, and goes to work with her arms.
18
She sees that her profit is good: and her lamp does not go out at night.
19
She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20
She opens her hands to the poor; and stretches them out to the needy.
21
She does not fear for her family when it snows: for all in her household are
doubly clothed.
22
She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and
purple.
23
Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24
She makes fine linen garments, and sells them; and delivers
sashes to the merchant.
25
Strength and honor are her garments; and she is confident about the
future.
26
She opens her mouth with wisdom; and the law of kindness is in her
tongue.
27
She watches over the activities of her household, and does not eat the bread of
idleness.
28
Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also praises
her.
29
Many women have done excellent work, but you surpass them all.
30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is vain: but a woman who
fears the LORD, she is to be praised.
31
Give her the fruit of her hands; and let her own deeds praise her in the gates.