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

2 “ Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!

3 D on’t give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

4 I t is not for kings, 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 anyone who is afflicted.

6 G ive strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:

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

8 O pen your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

9 O pen your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy.”

10 W ho can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.

11 T he heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.

12 S he does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

13 S he seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands.

14 S he is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.

15 S he rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls.

16 S he considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard.

17 S he arms her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong.

18 S he perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night.

19 S he lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

20 S he opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends 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 makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 H er husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 S he makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 S trength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.

26 S he opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 S he looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness.

28 H er children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:

29 “ Many women do noble things, but you excel them all.”

30 C harm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised.

31 G ive her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!