1 |
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. |
2 |
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? |
3 |
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. |
4 |
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: |
5 |
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. |
6 |
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. |
7 |
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. |
8 |
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. |
9 |
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. |
10 |
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. |
11 |
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. |
12 |
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. |
13 |
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. |
14 |
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. |
15 |
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. |
16 |
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. |
17 |
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. |
18 |
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. |
19 |
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. |
20 |
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. |
21 |
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. |
22 |
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. |
23 |
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. |
24 |
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. |
25 |
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. |
26 |
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. |
27 |
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. |
28 |
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. |
29 |
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. |
30 |
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth 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. |
