1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
3What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
4What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
5Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
6Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
7It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
8It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
9Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.31.5 pervert: Heb. alter31.5 of any…: Heb. of all the sons of affliction
10Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.31.5 pervert: Heb. alter31.5 of any…: Heb. of all the sons of affliction
11Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.31.6 of…: Heb. bitter of soul
12Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.31.6 of…: Heb. bitter of soul
13Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
14Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
15Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.31.8 such…: Heb. the sons of destruction
16Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.31.8 such…: Heb. the sons of destruction
17Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
18Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
19¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
20¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
21The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
22The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
23She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
24She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
25She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
26She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
27She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
28She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
29She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
30She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
31She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.31.16 buyeth: Heb. taketh
32She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.31.16 buyeth: Heb. taketh
33She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
34She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
35She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.31.18 She…: Heb. She tasteth
36She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.31.18 She…: Heb. She tasteth
37She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
38She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
39She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.31.20 She…: Heb. She spreadeth
40She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.31.20 She…: Heb. She spreadeth
41She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.31.21 scarlet: or, double garments
42She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.31.21 scarlet: or, double garments
43She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
44She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
45Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
46Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
47She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
48She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
49Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
50Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
51She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
52She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
53She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
54She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
55Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
56Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
57Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.31.29 have…: or, have gotten riches
58Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.31.29 have…: or, have gotten riches
59Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
60Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
61Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
62Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.