Proverbs 31:1-31 TLB

[1] These are the wise sayings of King Lemuel of Massa, taught to him at his mother's knee: [2] O my son, whom I have dedicated to the Lord, [3] do not spend your time with women-the royal pathway to destruction. [4] And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to drink wine and whiskey. [5] For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. [6] Hard liquor is for sick men at the brink of death, and wine for those in deep depression. Let them drink to forget their poverty and misery. [8] You should defend those who cannot help themselves. [9] Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. [10] If you can find a truly good wife, she is worth more than precious gems! [11] Her husband can trust her, and she will richly satisfy his needs. [12] She will not hinder him but help him all her life. [13] She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. [14] She buys imported foods brought by ship from distant ports. [15] She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plans the day's work for her servant girls. [16] She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her own hands she plants a vineyard. [17] She is energetic, a hard worker, [18] and watches for bargains. She works far into the night! [19] She sews for the poor and generously helps those in need. [21] She has no fear of winter for her household, for she has made warm clothes for all of them. [22] She also upholsters with finest tapestry; her own clothing is beautifully made-a purple gown of pure linen. [23] Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council chamber with the other civic leaders. [24] She makes belted linen garments to sell to the merchants. [25] She is a woman of strength and dignity and has no fear of old age. [26] When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says. [27] She watches carefully all that goes on throughout her household and is never lazy. [28] Her children stand and bless her; so does her husband. He praises her with these words: [29] "There are many fine women in the world, but you are the best of them all!" [30] Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn't last, but a woman who fears and reverences God shall be greatly praised. [31] Praise her for the many fine things she does. These good deeds of hers shall bring her honor and recognition from people of importance.