Proverbs 31
31
A Mother’s Warning
1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:
2O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
3do not give your vigor to women, or your ways to what ruins kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,
5lest they drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
6Give strong drink to one who is dying, and wine to those who are bitterly distressed—
7let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the justice of all who are destitute.
9Open your mouth, judge righteously, plead the cause of the poor and needy.
A Woman of Valor
10An accomplished woman who can find? Her value is far beyond rubies.
11Her husband’s heart trusts in her, and he lacks nothing valuable.
12She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.
13She selects wool and flax and her hands work willingly.
14She is like merchant ships, bringing her sustenance from afar.
15She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servant girls.
16She considers a field and buys it. From the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17She girds herself with strength and invigorates her arms.
18She discerns that her business is good. Her lamp never goes out at night.
19She extends her hands to the spindle and her palm grasps the spinning wheel.
20She spreads out her palms to the poor, and extends her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of snow for her house, for her whole household is clothed in scarlet wool.
22She makes her own luxurious coverings. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23Her husband is respected at the city gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes linen garments and sells them and supplies sashes to the merchants.
25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come.
26She opens her mouth with wisdom— a lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
27She watches over the affairs of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise and bless her, her husband also praises her:
29“Many daughters have excelled, but you surpass them all.”
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Adonai will be praised.
31Give her the fruit of her hands. Let her deeds be her praise at the gates.
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Copyright © 2014 - Messianic Jewish Family Bible Society
Proverbs 31
31
Advice to a King
1These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:
2“You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you? 3Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings. 4Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol. 5When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need. 6Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery. 7Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness.
8“Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless. 9Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy.”
The Capable Wife
10How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels!
11Her husband puts his confidence in her, and he will never be poor.
12As long as she lives, she does him good and never harm.
13She keeps herself busy making wool and linen cloth.
14She brings home food from out-of-the-way places, as merchant ships do.
15She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do.
16She looks at land and buys it, and with money she has earned she plants a vineyard.
17She is a hard worker, strong and industrious.
18She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night.
19She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth.
20She is generous to the poor and needy.
21She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing.
22She makes bedspreads and wears clothes of fine purple linen.
23Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens.
24She makes clothes and belts, and sells them to merchants.
25She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future.
26She speaks with a gentle wisdom.
27She is always busy and looks after her family's needs.
28Her children show their appreciation, and her husband praises her.
29He says, “Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all.”
30Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honours the LORD should be praised.
31Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.
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Good News Bible with Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha. Scripture taken from the Good News Bible (r) (Today's English Version Second Edition, UK/British Edition). Copyright © 1992 British & Foreign Bible Society. Used by permission.