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