Proverbs 31:1-31 GW

[1] The sayings of King Lemuel, a prophetic revelation, used by his mother to discipline him. [2] "What, my son? What, son to whom I gave birth? What, son of my prayers? [3] Don't give your strength to women or your power to those who ruin kings. [4] "It is not for kings, Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave liquor. [5] Otherwise, they drink and forget what they have decreed and change the standard of justice for all oppressed people. [6] Give liquor to a person who is dying and wine to one who feels resentful. [7] Such a person drinks and forgets his poverty and does not remember his trouble anymore. [8] "Speak out for the one who cannot speak, for the rights of those who are doomed. [9] Speak out, judge fairly, and defend the rights of oppressed and needy people." [10] "Who can find a wife with a strong character? She is worth far more than jewels. [11] Her husband trusts her with all his heart, and he does not lack anything good. [12] She helps him and never harms him all the days of her life. [13] "She seeks out wool and linen with care and works with willing hands. [14] She is like merchant ships. She brings her food from far away. [15] She wakes up while it is still dark and gives food to her family and portions of food to her female slaves. [16] "She picks out a field and buys it. She plants a vineyard from the profits she has earned. [17] She puts on strength like a belt and goes to work with energy. [18] She sees that she is making a good profit. Her lamp burns late at night. [19] "She puts her hands on the distaff, and her fingers hold a spindle. [20] She opens her hands to oppressed people and stretches them out to needy people. [21] She does not fear for her family when it snows because her whole family has a double layer of clothing. [22] She makes quilts for herself. Her clothes are made of linen and purple cloth. [23] "Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land. [24] "She makes linen garments and sells them and delivers belts to the merchants. [25] She dresses with strength and nobility, and she smiles at the future. [26] "She speaks with wisdom, and on her tongue there is tender instruction. [27] She keeps a close eye on the conduct of her family, and she does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children and her husband stand up and bless her. In addition, he sings her praises, by saying, [29] 'Many women have done noble work, but you have surpassed them all!' [30] "Charm is deceptive, and beauty evaporates, but a woman who has the fear of the LORD should be praised. [31] Reward her for what she has done, and let her achievements praise her at the city gates."