Proverbs 31:1-31 ASV

[1] The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. [2] What, my son? and what, O son of my womb? And what, O 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 to say, Where is strong drink? [5] Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted. [6] Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, And wine unto the bitter in soul: [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. [8] Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of all such as are left desolate. [9] Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And minister justice to the poor and needy. [10] A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies. [11] The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he shall have no lack of gain. [12] She doeth 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 merchant-ships; She bringeth her bread from afar. [15] She riseth also while it is yet night, And giveth food to her household, And their task 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 maketh strong her arms. [18] She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable; Her lamp goeth not out by night. [19] She layeth her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle. [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 for herself carpets of tapestry; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. [23] Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth among the elders of the land. [24] She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles unto the merchant. [25] Strength and dignity are her clothing; And she laugheth at the time to come. [26] She openeth her mouth with wisdom; And the law of kindness is on her tongue. [27] She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up, and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praiseth her, saying: [29] Many daughters have done worthily, But thou excellest them all. [30] Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman that feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands; And let her works praise her in the gates.