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31:1  The words of King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him:
31:2  What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what [shall I advise you], O son of my vows?
31:3  Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, nor concubines], Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
31:4  It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink,
31:5  Otherwise they drink and forget the law and its decrees, And pervert the rights and justice of all the afflicted.
31:6  Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, And wine to him whose life is bitter.
31:7  Let him drink and forget his poverty And no longer remember his trouble.
31:8  Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless;
31:9  Open your mouth, judge righteously, And administer justice for the afflicted and needy.
31:10  An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.
31:11  The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], And he will have no lack of gain.
31:12  She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil All the days of her life.
31:13  She looks for wool and flax And works with willing hands in delight.
31:14  She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure]; She brings her [household’s] food from far away.
31:15  She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And assigns tasks to her maids.
31:16  She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently]; With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
31:17  She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] And makes her arms strong.
31:18  She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].
31:19  She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].
31:20  She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.
31:21  She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool].
31:22  She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].
31:23  Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
31:24  She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them; And supplies sashes to the merchants.
31:25  Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].
31:26  She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].
31:27  She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.
31:28  Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,
31:29  “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all.”
31:30  Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.
31:31  Give her of the product of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].