^1. The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle [1] his mother taught him:

^2. "O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, [2]

^3. do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.

^4. "It is not for kings, O Lemuel-- not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,

^5. lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.

^6. Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;

^7. let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.

^8. "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.

^9. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

^10. [3] A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

^11. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

^12. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

^13. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

^14. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

^15. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

^16. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

^17. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

^18. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

^19. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

^20. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

^21. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

^22. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

^23. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

^24. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

^25. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

^26. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

^27. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

^28. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

^29. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

^30. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

^31. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.