Proverbs 31:1-31 VOICE

[1] These are the words of King Lemuel. An oracle of wisdom handed down to him by his mother: [2] Mother: What shall I say to you, my son? What wisdom can I impart, child of my womb? What insight can I share, son of my vows? [3] Do not waste your strength on women or invest yourself in women who would destroy even kings. [4] Take care, my son, O Lemuel. Kings should not drink too much wine or rulers should not crave strong drink; [5] For if they do, they will become drunk and forget the decree they just made and alter the course of justice for all the poor and afflicted. [6] Rather, give liquor to one who is dying, and offer wine to those struggling with life's harsh realities. [7] Let such a one drink and forget what he is missing; then perhaps he won't remember his sorrows anymore. [8] Speak out on behalf of those who have no voice, and defend all those who have been passed over. [9] Open your mouth, judge fairly, and stand up for the rights of the afflicted and the poor. [10] Who can find a truly excellent woman? One who is superior in all that she is and all that she does? Her worth far exceeds that of rubies and expensive jewelry. [11] She inspires trust, and her husband's heart is safe with her, and because of her, he has every good thing. [12] Every day of her life she does what is best for him, never anything harmful or hurtful. [13] Delight attends her work and guides her fingers as she selects the finest wool and flax for spinning. [14] She moves through the market like merchant ships that dock here and there in distant ports, finally arriving home with food she's carried from afar. [15] She rises from bed early, in the still of night, carefully preparing food for her family and providing a portion to her servants. [16] She has a plan. She considers some land and buys it; then with her earnings, she plants a vineyard. [17] She wraps herself in strength, carries herself with confidence, and works hard, strengthening her arms for the task at hand. [18] She tastes success and knows it is good, and under lamplight she works deep into the night. [19] Her hands skillfully place the unspun flax and wool on the distaff, and her fingers twist the spindle until thread forms. [20] She reaches out to the poor and extends mercy to those in need. [21] She is not worried about the cold or snow for her family, for she has clothed them all in warm, crimson coats. [22] She makes her own bed linens and clothes herself in purple and fine cloth. [23] Everyone recognizes her husband in the public square, and no one fails to respect him as he takes his place of leadership in the community. [24] She makes linen garments and sells them in the market, and she supplies belts for tradesmen to carry across the sea. [25] Clothed in strength and dignity, with nothing to fear, she smiles when she thinks about the future. [26] She conducts her conversations with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is ever her concern. [27] She directs the activities of her household, and never does she indulge in laziness. [28] Her children rise up and bless her. Her husband, too, joins in the praise, saying: [29] "There are some-indeed many-women who do well in every way, but of all of them only you are truly excellent." [30] Charm can be deceptive and physical beauty will not last, but a woman who reveres the Eternal should be praised above all others. [31] Celebrate all she has achieved. Let all her accomplishments publicly praise her.