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31:1  The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:
31:2  O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
31:3  do not give your vigor to women, or your ways to what ruins kings.
31:4  It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,
31:5  lest they drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
31:6  Give strong drink to one who is dying, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed—
31:7  let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
31:8  Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the justice of all who are destitute.
31:9  Open your mouth, judge righteously, plead the cause of the poor and needy.
31:10  An accomplished woman who can find? Her value is far beyond rubies.
31:11  Her husband’s heart trusts in her, and he lacks nothing valuable.
31:12  She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.
31:13  She selects wool and flax and her hands work willingly.
31:14  She is like merchant ships, bringing her sustenance from afar.
31:15  She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servant girls.
31:16  She considers a field and buys it. From the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
31:17  She girds herself with strength and invigorates her arms.
31:18  She discerns that her business is good. Her lamp never goes out at night.
31:19  She extends her hands to the spindle and her palm grasps the spinning wheel.
31:20  She spreads out her palms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy.
31:21  She is not afraid of snow for her house, for her whole household is clothed in scarlet wool.
31:22  She makes her own luxurious coverings. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
31:23  Her husband is respected at the city gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
31:24  She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies sashes to the merchants.
31:25  Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.
31:26  She opens her mouth with wisdom— a lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
31:27  She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
31:28  Her children arise and bless her, her husband also praises her:
31:29  “Many daughters have excelled, but you surpass them all.”
31:30  Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Adonai will be praised.
31:31  Give her the fruit of her hands. Let her deeds be her praise at the gates.