Proverbs 31:1-31 CEB

[1] The words of King Lemuel of Massa, which his mother taught him: [2] No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my solemn promises! [3] Don’t give your strength to women, your ways to those who wipe out kings. [4] It isn’t for kings, Lemuel, it isn’t for kings to drink wine, for rulers to crave strong drink. [5] Otherwise, they will drink and forget the law, and violate the rights of the needy. [6] Give strong drink to those who are perishing and wine to those whose hearts are bitter. [7] Let them drink and forget their poverty and no longer remember their toil. [8] Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable. [9] Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor. [10] A competent wife, how does one find her? Her value is far above pearls. [11] Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs. [12] She brings him good and not trouble all the days of her life. [13] She seeks out wool and flax; she works joyfully with her hands. [14] She is like a fleet of merchant ships, bringing food from a distance. [15] She gets up while it is still night, providing food for her household, even some for her female servants. [16] She surveys a field and acquires it; from her own resources, she plants a vineyard. [17] She works energetically; her arms are powerful. [18] She realizes that her trading is successful; she doesn’t put out her lamp at night. [19] She puts her hands to the spindle; her palms grasp the whorl. [20] She reaches out to the needy; she stretches out her hands to the poor. [21] She doesn’t fear for her household when it snows, because they are all dressed in warm clothes. [22] She makes bedspreads for herself; fine linen and purple are her clothing. [23] Her husband is known in the city gates when he sits with the elders of the land. [24] She makes garments and sells them; she supplies sashes to traders. [25] Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future. [26] Her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue. [27] She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn’t eat the food of laziness. [28] Her children bless her; her husband praises her: [29] “Many women act competently, but you surpass them all!” [30] Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. [31] Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city gates.