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31:1  The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.
31:2  O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
31:3  do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
31:4  It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
31:5  For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
31:6  Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.
31:7  Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.
31:8  Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
31:9  Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
31:10  Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
31:11  Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
31:12  She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
31:13  She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
31:14  She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar.
31:15  She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.
31:16  She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
31:17  She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
31:18  She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
31:19  Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
31:20  She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
31:21  She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
31:22  She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
31:23  Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
31:24  She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
31:25  She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
31:26  When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
31:27  She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
31:28  Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
31:29  "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
31:30  Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
31:31  Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.