Proverbs 31:1-31 NET

[1] The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: [2] O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, [3] do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, [5] lest they drink and forget what is decreed, and remove from all the poor their legal rights. [6] Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed; [7] let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more. [8] Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying. [9] Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. [10] Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies. [11] Her husband's heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends. [12] She has rewarded him with good and not harm all the days of her life. [13] She sought out wool and flax, then worked happily with her hands. [14] She was like the merchant ships; she would bring in her food from afar. [15] Then she rose while it was still night, and provided food for her household and a portion to her female servants. [16] She considered a field and bought it; from her own income she planted a vineyard. [17] She clothed herself in might, and she strengthened her arms. [18] She perceived that her merchandise was good. Her lamp would not go out in the night. [19] She extended her hands to the spool, and her hands grasped the spindle. [20] She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy. [21] She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet, [22] because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is well-known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land. [24] She made linen garments then sold them, and traded belts to the merchants; [25] her clothing was strong and splendid; and she laughed at the time to come. [26] She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue. [27] Watching over the ways of her household, she would not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children have risen and called her blessed; her husband also has praised her: [29] "Many daughters have done valiantly, but you have surpassed them all!" [30] Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting. A woman who fears the LORD-she makes herself praiseworthy. [31] Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.