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31:1  The words of King Lemuel of Massa, which his mother taught him:
31:2  No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my solemn promises!
31:3  Don’t give your strength to women, your ways to those who wipe out kings.
31:4  It isn’t for kings, Lemuel, it isn’t for kings to drink wine, for rulers to crave strong drink.
31:5  Otherwise, they will drink and forget the law, and violate the rights of the needy.
31:6  Give strong drink to those who are perishing and wine to those whose hearts are bitter.
31:7  Let them drink and forget their poverty and no longer remember their toil.
31:8  Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
31:9  Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.
31:10  A competent wife, how does one find her? Her value is far above pearls.
31:11  Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs.
31:12  She brings him good and not trouble all the days of her life.
31:13  She seeks out wool and flax; she works joyfully with her hands.
31:14  She is like a fleet of merchant ships, bringing food from a distance.
31:15  She gets up while it is still night, providing food for her household, even some for her female servants.
31:16  She surveys a field and acquires it; from her own resources, she plants a vineyard.
31:17  She works energetically; her arms are powerful.
31:18  She realizes that her trading is successful; she doesn’t put out her lamp at night.
31:19  She puts her hands to the spindle; her palms grasp the whorl.
31:20  She reaches out to the needy; she stretches out her hands to the poor.
31:21  She doesn’t fear for her household when it snows, because they are all dressed in warm clothes.
31:22  She makes bedspreads for herself; fine linen and purple are her clothing.
31:23  Her husband is known in the city gates when he sits with the elders of the land.
31:24  She makes garments and sells them; she supplies sashes to traders.
31:25  Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future.
31:26  Her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue.
31:27  She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn’t eat the food of laziness.
31:28  Her children bless her; her husband praises her:
31:29  “Many women act competently, but you surpass them all!”
31:30  Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31:31  Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city gates.