1 T he words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.

2 W hat, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

3 G ive not thy strength unto women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

4 I t is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?

5 L est they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.

6 G ive strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul:

7 L et him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

8 O pen thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate.

9 O pen thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy.

10 A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

11 T he heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain.

12 S he doeth him good and not evil All the days of her life.

13 S he seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.

14 S he is like the merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar.

15 S he riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task to her maidens.

16 S he considereth a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 S he girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.

18 S he perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable: Her lamp goeth not out by night.

19 S he layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.

20 S he stretcheth out her hand to the poor; Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 S he is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 S he maketh for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 H er husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 S he maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 S trength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come.

26 S he openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue.

27 S he looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 H er children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying:

29 M any daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all.

30 G race is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.

31 G ive her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.