Proverbs 31:1-31 NCV

[1] These are the words of King Lemuel, the message his mother taught him: [2] "My son, I gave birth to you. You are the son I prayed for. [3] Don't waste your strength on women or your time on those who ruin kings. [4] "Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel, and rulers should not desire beer. [5] If they drink, they might forget the law and keep the needy from getting their rights. [6] Give beer to people who are dying and wine to those who are sad. [7] Let them drink and forget their need and remember their misery no more. [8] "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; defend the rights of all those who have nothing. [9] Speak up and judge fairly, and defend the rights of the poor and needy." [10] It is hard to find a good wife, because she is worth more than rubies. [11] Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs. [12] She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives. [13] She looks for wool and flax and likes to work with her hands. [14] She is like a trader's ship, bringing food from far away. [15] She gets up while it is still dark and prepares food for her family and feeds her servant girls. [16] She inspects a field and buys it. With money she earned, she plants a vineyard. [17] She does her work with energy, and her arms are strong. [18] She knows that what she makes is good. Her lamp burns late into the night. [19] She makes thread with her hands and weaves her own cloth. [20] She welcomes the poor and helps the needy. [21] She does not worry about her family when it snows, because they all have fine clothes to keep them warm. [22] She makes coverings for herself; her clothes are made of linen and other expensive material. [23] Her husband is known at the city meetings, where he makes decisions as one of the leaders of the land. [24] She makes linen clothes and sells them and provides belts to the merchants. [25] She is strong and is respected by the people. She looks forward to the future with joy. [26] She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind. [27] She watches over her family and never wastes her time. [28] Her children speak well of her. Her husband also praises her, [29] saying, "There are many fine women, but you are better than all of them." [30] Charm can fool you, and beauty can trick you, but a woman who respects the LORD should be praised. [31] Give her the reward she has earned; she should be praised in public for what she has done.