Proverbs 31:1-31 MEV

[1] The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: [2] What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows? [3] Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. [4] It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes strong drink; [5] lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of any of the afflicted. [6] Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are of heavy hearts. [7] Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. [8] Open your mouth for the speechless in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. [9] Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. [10] Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies. [11] The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he will have no lack of gain. [12] She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. [13] She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands. [14] She is like the merchant ships, she brings her food from afar. [15] She also rises while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidens. [16] She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. [17] She clothes herself with strength, and strengthens her arms. [18] She perceives that her merchandise is good; her candle does not go out by night. [19] She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. [20] She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches 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 makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. [23] Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. [24] She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers sashes to the merchant. [25] Strength and honor are her clothing, and she will rejoice in time to come. [26] She opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the teaching of kindness. [27] She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. [28] Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: [29] "Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all." [30] Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. [31] Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.