Proverbs

Chapter 31

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.

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