1The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
2What, my son? and what, O son of my womb?
3Give not thy strength unto women,
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine;
5Lest they drink, and forget the law,
6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,
7Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
8Open thy mouth for the dumb,
9Open thy mouth, judge righteously,
10A worthy woman who can find?
11The heart of her husband trusteth in her,
12She doeth him good and not evil
13She seeketh wool and flax,
14She is like the merchant-ships;
15She riseth also while it is yet night,
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it;
17She girdeth her loins with strength,
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable;
19She layeth her hands to the distaff,
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
22She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry;
23Her husband is known in the gates,
24She maketh linen garments and selleth them,
25Strength and dignity are her clothing;
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
27She looketh well to the ways of her household,
28Her children rise up, and call her blessed;
29Many daughters have done worthily,
30Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
31Give her of the fruit of her hands;