Proverbs

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