Proverbs 31:1-31 NLT

[1] The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him. [2] O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, [3] do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. [5] For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. [6] Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress. [7] Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. [8] Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. [9] Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. [10] Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. [11] Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. [12] She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. [13] She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. [14] She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar. [15] She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls. [16] She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. [17] She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. [18] She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. [19] Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. [20] She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. [21] She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. [22] She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. [23] Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. [24] She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. [25] She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. [26] When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. [27] She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. [28] Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: [29] "There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" [30] Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. [31] Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.