Proverbs 31
A king's mother advises him to avoid giving in to women or drunkenness, and instead to speak up for the mute and the poor, and to do justice. She then describes a virtuous woman who is trustworthy, hardworking, and charitable, managing her household and family with wisdom and kindness. This woman is praised by her husband and children, and her works bring her honor and recognition. Ultimately, it is not charm or beauty that brings true praise, but rather a woman's fear of the Lord and her good deeds.
1The words of king Lamuel. The vision by which his mother instructed him2"What, O my beloved? What, O beloved of my womb? What, O beloved of my vows3Do not give your substance to women, or your riches to overthrow kings4Not to kings, O Lamuel, not to kings give wine. For there are no secrets where drunkenness reigns5And perhaps they may drink and forget judgments, and alter the case of the sons of the poor6Give strong drink to the grieving, and wine to those who are bitter in soul7Let them drink, and forget their needs, and remember their sorrow no more8Open your mouth for the mute and for all the cases of the sons who are passing through9Open your mouth, declare what is just, and do justice to the indigent and the poor10Who shall find a strong woman? Far away, and from the furthest parts, is her price11The heart of her husband confides in her, and he will not be deprived of spoils12She will repay him with good, and not evil, all the days of her life13She has sought wool and flax, and she has worked these by the counsel of her hands14She has become like a merchant’s ship, bringing her bread from far away15And she has risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and provisions to her maids16She has considered a field and bought it. From the fruit of her own hands, she has planted a vineyard17She has wrapped her waist with fortitude, and she has strengthened her arm18She has tasted and seen that her tasks are good; her lamp shall not be extinguished at night19She has put her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindle20She has opened her hand to the needy, and she has extended her hands to the poor21She shall not fear, in the cold of snow, for her household. For all those of her household have been clothed two-fold22She has made embroidered clothing for herself. Fine linen and purple is her garment23Her husband is noble at the gates, when he sits among the senators of the land24She has made finely woven cloth and sold it, and she has delivered a waistband to the Canaanite25Strength and elegance are her clothing, and she will laugh in the final days26She has opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongue27She has considered the paths of her household, and she has not eaten her bread in idleness28Her sons rose up and predicted great happiness; her husband rose up and praised her29Many daughters have gathered together riches; you have surpassed them all30Charm is false, and beauty is vain. The woman who fears the Lord, the same shall be praised31Give to her from the fruit of her own hands. And let her works praise her at the gates
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