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31:1  The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:
31:2  What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?
31:3  Don't spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings.
31:4  It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer.
31:5  Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
31:6  Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter.
31:7  Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.
31:8  Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.
31:9  Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.
31:10  Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.
31:11  The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.
31:12  She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.
31:13  She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands.
31:14  She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.
31:15  She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants.
31:16  She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
31:17  She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.
31:18  She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
31:19  She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.
31:20  Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.
31:21  She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed.
31:22  She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
31:23  Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.
31:24  She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.
31:25  Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
31:26  She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue.
31:27  She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
31:28  Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:"
31:29  Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!"
31:30  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.
31:31  Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.