031:001
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

031:002
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

031:003
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

031:004
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

031:005
Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

031:006
Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

031:007
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

031:008
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

031:009
Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

031:010
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

031:011
The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

031:012
She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

031:013
She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

031:014
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

031:015
She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

031:016
She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

031:017
She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

031:018
She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

031:019
She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

031:020
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

031:021
She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

031:022
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

031:023
Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

031:024
She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

031:025
Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

031:026
She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

031:027
She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

031:028
Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

031:029
Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

031:030
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

031:031
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.