Proverbs 31:1-31 AMP

[1] The words of King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him: [2] What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what [shall I advise you], O son of my vows? [3] Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, nor concubines], Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, [5] Otherwise they drink and forget the law and its decrees, And pervert the rights and justice of all the afflicted. [6] Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, And wine to him whose life is bitter. [7] Let him drink and forget his poverty And no longer remember his trouble. [8] Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless; [9] Open your mouth, judge righteously, And administer justice for the afflicted and needy. [10] An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], And he will have no lack of gain. [12] She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil All the days of her life. [13] She looks for wool and flax And works with willing hands in delight. [14] She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure]; She brings her [household’s] food from far away. [15] She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And assigns tasks to her maids. [16] She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently]; With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [17] She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] And makes her arms strong. [18] She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead]. [19] She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing]. [20] She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy. [21] She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool]. [22] She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool]. [23] Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. [24] She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them; And supplies sashes to the merchants. [25] Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared]. [26] She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction]. [27] She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); Her husband also, and he praises her, saying, [29] “Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all.” [30] Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised. [31] Give her of the product of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].