Proverbs 31:1-31 ERV

[1] These are the wise sayings that King Lemuel's mother taught him: [2] I prayed for a son, and you are the son I gave birth to. [3] Don't waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don't waste yourself on them. [4] Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer. [5] They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away the rights of the poor. [6] Give beer to people without hope. Give wine to those who are in trouble. [7] Let them drink to forget their troubles. Let them forget they are poor. [8] Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble. [9] Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help. [10] How hard it is to find the perfect wife. She is worth far more than jewels. [11] Her husband depends on her. He will never be poor. [12] She does good for her husband all her life. She never causes him trouble. [13] She is always gathering wool and flax and enjoys making things with her hands. [14] She is like a ship from a faraway place. She brings home food from everywhere. [15] She wakes up early in the morning, cooks food for her family, and gives the servants their share. [16] She looks at land and buys it. She uses the money she has earned and plants a vineyard. [17] She works very hard. She is strong and able to do all her work. [18] She works late into the night to make sure her business earns a profit. [19] She makes her own thread and weaves her own cloth. [20] She always gives to the poor and helps those who need it. [21] She does not worry about her family when it snows. She has given them all good, warm clothes. [22] She makes sheets and spreads for the beds, and she wears clothes of fine linen. [23] Her husband is a respected member of the city council, where he meets with the other leaders. [24] She makes clothes and belts and sells them to the merchants. [25] She is a strong person, and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence. [26] She speaks with wisdom and teaches others to be loving and kind. [27] She oversees the care of her house. She is never lazy. [28] Her children say good things about her. Her husband brags about her and says, [29] "There are many good women, but you are the best." [30] Grace and beauty can fool you, but a woman who respects the LORD should be praised. [31] Give her the reward she deserves. Praise her in public for what she has done.