Proverbs 31:1-31 BSB

[1] These are the words of King Lemuel — the burden that his mother taught him: [2] What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows? [3] Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin 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, depriving all the oppressed of justice. [6] Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul. [7] Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. [8] Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed. [9] Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy. [10] A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. [11] The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. [12] She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. [13] She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. [14] She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. [15] She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants. [16] She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. [17] She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong. [18] She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night. [19] She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. [20] She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. [21] When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet. [22] She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. [24] She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants. [25] Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come. [26] She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. [27] She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well: [29] “Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!” [30] Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. [31] Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.