Proverbs 31:1-31 NIrV

[1] These are the sayings of King Lemuel. His mother taught them to him. These sayings came from God. [2] Listen, my son! Listen, my very own son! Listen, you who are the answer to my prayers! [3] Don’t waste your strength on women. Don’t waste it on those who destroy kings. [4] Lemuel, it isn’t good for kings to drink wine. It isn’t good for rulers to long for beer. [5] If they do, they might drink and forget what has been commanded. They might take away the rights of all those who are treated badly. [6] Let beer be for those who are dying. Let wine be for those who are sad and troubled. [7] Let them drink and forget how poor they are. Let them forget their suffering. [8] Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves. Speak up for the rights of all those who are poor. [9] Speak up and judge fairly. Speak up for the rights of those who are poor and needy. [10] Who can find an excellent woman? She is worth far more than rubies. [11] Her husband trusts her completely. She gives him all the important things he needs. [12] She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. [13] She chooses wool and flax. She loves to work with her hands. [14] She is like the ships of traders. She brings her food from far away. [15] She gets up while it is still night. She provides food for her family. She also gives some to her female servants. [16] She considers a field and buys it. She uses some of the money she earns to plant a vineyard. [17] She gets ready to work hard. Her arms are strong. [18] She sees that her trading earns a lot of money. Her lamp doesn’t go out at night. [19] With one hand she holds the wool. With the other she spins the thread. [20] She opens her arms to those who are poor. She reaches out her hands to those who are needy. [21] When it snows, she’s not afraid for her family. All of them are dressed in the finest clothes. [22] She makes her own bed coverings. She is dressed in fine linen and purple clothes. [23] Her husband is respected at the city gate. There he takes his seat among the elders of the land. [24] She makes linen clothes and sells them. She supplies belts to the traders. [25] She puts on strength and honor as if they were her clothes. She can laugh at the days that are coming. [26] She speaks wisely. She teaches faithfully. [27] She watches over family matters. She is busy all the time. [28] Her children stand up and call her blessed. Her husband also rises up, and he praises her. [29] He says, “Many women do excellent things. But you are better than all the others.” [30] Charm can fool you. Beauty fades. But a woman who has respect for the LORD should be praised. [31] Give her honor for all that her hands have done. Let everything she has done bring praise to her at the city gate.