Proverbs 31:1-31 KJ21

[1] The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him: [2] What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows? [3] Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel - it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink, [5] lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. [6] Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. [7] Let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more. [8] Open thy mouth for the dumb, in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. [9] Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. [10] Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. [11] The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. [12] She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. [13] She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. [14] She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. [15] She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens. [16] She considereth a field and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. [17] She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. [18] She perceiveth that her merchandise is good; her candle goeth not out by night. [19] She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. [20] She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. [21] She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. [22] She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. [23] Her husband is known at the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. [24] She maketh fine linen and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. [25] Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come. [26] She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. [27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. [28] Her children arise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her: [29] "Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." [30] Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who feareth the LORD, she shall be praised! [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her at the gates.