Proverbs 31

1These are the wise sayings that King Lemuel’s mother taught him:

2My child, I am your mother. I prayed to God and He gave you to me.

3Don't waste your strength or your life on women. Do not give your efforts to things that destroy kings.

4Lemuel, kings should not drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink.

5If kings drink too much, kings forget the law and fail to protect the rights of poor people.

6Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those of bitter of heart

7Let them drink and forget their troubles. Let them forget about all their suffering.

8Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble.

9Speak for them and be fair when you judge, and protect the people who can not help themselves and who have nothing.

10A capable, noble wife is hard to find. She is worth far more than rubies.

11Her husband trusts her completely, so her husband will never need to steal to get by.

12She does good for her husband all her life, and she never brings her husband trouble.

13She gets wool and flax and enjoys making things with her hands.

14She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from far away.

15She gets up while it is dark and she prepares food for her family and for the servants who work for her.

16She looks carefully at a field and buys it and she plants the vineyard

17Her arms are strong, and she keeps on working.

18When she sees people wanting to buy the things that she makes, she works all night.

19She makes thread with her hands, and she weaves at the loom and makes clothes.

20She loves giving to poor people and those who can not protect themselves and who have nothing.

21She does not worry about her family when it snows because they all have scarlet wool clothes.

22She makes blankets and her clothes are made of linen and purple wool.

23Everyone knows her husband. Her husband sits with the leaders of the land at the gate.

24She makes clothes and sells them, and she gives the merchants sashes to sell.

25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the future without fear.

26She always speaks words of wisdom, and she teaches her people to be friendly.

27She oversees the care of her house. She is never lazy.

28Her children respect and praise her, and her husband says she is a good wife. Her husband says:

29'There are a lot of good women, but you are better than all of them.'

30A woman does not always stay young and beautiful, but you should always praise a woman who serves and fears the Lord.

31She must get the reward for her hard work, and everyone in the city must praise her.