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31:1  The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.
31:2  No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth!
31:3  Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings.
31:4  It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.
31:5  Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.
31:6  Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.
31:7  Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more.
31:8  Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.
31:9  Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.
31:10  Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.
31:11  Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.
31:12  She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life.
31:13  She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.
31:14  She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.
31:15  She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.
31:16  She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.
31:17  She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.
31:18  She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.
31:19  She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle.
31:20  She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.
31:21  She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.
31:22  She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.
31:23  Her husband is well known; he sits among the leaders of the land.
31:24  She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers.
31:25  Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future.
31:26  She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.
31:27  She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy.
31:28  Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:
31:29  "Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!"
31:30  Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31:31  Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise.