Proverbs 31

1 The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.ISV — Proverbs 31:1

2 No, ^{a31:2 Or What} my son! No, ^{b31:2 Or What} my son whom I conceived! ^{c31:2 Lit. son of my womb?} No, ^{d31:2 Or What} my son to whom I gave birth! ^{e31:2 Lit. son of my vows}ISV — Proverbs 31:2

3 Never devote all your energy to sex, ^{f31:3 Lit. women} or dedicate your life ^{g31:3 Lit. ways} to destroying kings.ISV — Proverbs 31:3

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.ISV — Proverbs 31:4

5 Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.ISV — Proverbs 31:5

6 Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed. ^{h31:6 Lit. one whose soul is bitter}ISV — Proverbs 31:6

7 Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more.ISV — Proverbs 31:7

8 Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction. ^{i31:8 Lit. all sons of destruction}ISV — Proverbs 31:8

9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.ISV — Proverbs 31:9

10 Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.ISV — Proverbs 31:10

11 Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.ISV — Proverbs 31:11

12 She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life.ISV — Proverbs 31:12

13 She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.ISV — Proverbs 31:13

14 She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.ISV — Proverbs 31:14

15 She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.ISV — Proverbs 31:15

16 She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.ISV — Proverbs 31:16

17 She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.ISV — Proverbs 31:17

18 She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.ISV — Proverbs 31:18

19 She works with her own hands on her clothes ^{j31:19 Lit. staff} — her hands work the sewing spindle.ISV — Proverbs 31:19

20 She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.ISV — Proverbs 31:20

21 She is unafraid of winter’s effect on ^{k31:21 Lit. of the snow for} her household, because all of them are warmly clothed. ^{l31:21 Lit. are clothed in red}ISV — Proverbs 31:21

22 She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.ISV — Proverbs 31:22

23 Her husband is well known; ^{m31:23 Lit. is known in the gates} he sits among the leaders of the land.ISV — Proverbs 31:23

24 She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories ^{n31:24 Or belts} to clothiers.ISV — Proverbs 31:24

25 Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future.ISV — Proverbs 31:25

26 She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.ISV — Proverbs 31:26

27 She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy. ^{o31:27 Lit. she does not eat the food of laziness}ISV — Proverbs 31:27

28 Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:ISV — Proverbs 31:28

29 “Many women have done wonderful things,” he says, ^{p31:29 The Heb. lacks he says} “but you surpass all of them!”ISV — Proverbs 31:29

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.ISV — Proverbs 31:30

31 Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise. ^{q31:31 Lit. in praise in the gates}ISV — Proverbs 31:31