The Words of King Lemuel
1The wordsof kingLemuel,the prophecythat his mothertaughthim.
2What, my son?and what, the sonof my womb?and what, the sonof my vows?
3Givenot thy strengthunto women,nor thy waysto that which destroyethkings.
4[It is] not for kings,O Lemuel,[it is] not for kingsto drinkwine;nor forprincesstrong drink:
5Lest they drink,and forgetthe law,and pervertthe judgmentof any of the afflicted.
6Givestrong drinkunto him that is ready to perish,and wineunto those that be of heavyhearts.
7Let him drink,and forgethis poverty,and rememberhis miseryno more.
8Openthy mouthfor the dumbin the causeof all such as are appointedto destruction.
9Openthy mouth,judgerighteously,and pleadthe cause of the poorand needy.
The Virtues of Noble Woman
א
10Who can finda virtuouswoman?for her price[is] farabove rubies.
ב
11The heartof her husbanddoth safely trustin her, so that he shall have no needof spoil.
ג
12She will dohim goodand not evilall the daysof her life.
ד
13She seekethwool,and flax,and workethwillinglywith her hands.
ה
14She is like the merchants'ships;she bringethher foodfrom afar.
ו
15She risethalso while it is yet night,and givethmeatto her household,and a portionto her maidens.
ז
16She consideretha field,and buyethit: with the fruitof her handsshe plantetha vineyard.
ח
17She girdethher loinswith strength,and strengthenethher arms.
ט
18She perceiveththat her merchandise[is] good:her candlegoeth not outby night.
י
19She layethher handsto the spindle,and her handsholdthe distaff.
כ
20She stretcheth outher handto the poor;yea, she reacheth forthher handsto the needy.
ל
21She is not afraidof the snowfor her household:for all her household[are] clothedwith scarlet.
מ
22She makethherself coverings of tapestry;her clothing[is] silkand purple.
נ
23Her husbandis knownin the gates,when he sittethamong the eldersof the land.
ס
24She makethfine linen,and selleth[it]; and deliverethgirdlesunto the merchant.
ע
25Strengthand honour[are] her clothing;and she shall rejoicein timeto come.
פ
26She openethher mouthwith wisdom;and in her tongue[is] the lawof kindness.
צ
27She looketh wellto the waysof her household,and eatethnot the breadof idleness.
ק
28Her childrenarise up,and call her blessed;her husband[also], and he praisethher.
ר
29Manydaughtershave donevirtuously,but thou excellestthem all.
ש
30Favour[is] deceitful,and beauty[is] vain:[but] a woman[that] feareththe LORD,she shall be praised.
ת
31Giveher of the fruitof her hands;and let her own workspraiseher in the gates.
