31 : 1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. 31 : 2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? 31 : 3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. 31 : 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: 31 : 5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 31 : 6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. 31 : 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 31 : 8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. 31 : 9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 31 : 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 31 : 11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 31 : 12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 31 : 13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 31 : 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 31 : 15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 31 : 16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 31 : 17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 31 : 18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 31 : 19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 31 : 20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 31 : 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 31 : 22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 31 : 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 31 : 24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 31 : 25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 31 : 26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 31 : 27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 31 : 28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 31 : 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 31 : 30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 : 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.