1 - The sayings of King Lemuel - an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 - Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 - Do not spend your strength
4 - It is not for kings, Lemuel - it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
5 - lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 - Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
7 - Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 - Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 - Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
10 -
11 - Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 - She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 - She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 - She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 - She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16 - She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 - She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 - She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 - In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 - She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 - When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 - She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 - Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 - She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 - She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 - She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 - She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 - Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 - "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
30 - Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 - Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.