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.
The words of king Lamuel. The vision by which his mother instructed him"What, O my beloved? What, O beloved of my womb? What, O beloved of my vowsDo not give your substance to women, or your riches to overthrow kingsNot to kings, O Lamuel, not to kings give wine. For there are no secrets where drunkenness reignsAnd perhaps they may drink and forget judgments, and alter the case of the sons of the poorGive strong drink to the grieving, and wine to those who are bitter in soulLet them drink, and forget their needs, and remember their sorrow no moreOpen your mouth for the mute and for all the cases of the sons who are passing throughOpen your mouth, declare what is just, and do justice to the indigent and the poorWho shall find a strong woman? Far away, and from the furthest parts, is her priceThe heart of her husband confides in her, and he will not be deprived of spoilsShe will repay him with good, and not evil, all the days of her lifeShe has sought wool and flax, and she has worked these by the counsel of her handsShe has become like a merchant’s ship, bringing her bread from far awayAnd she has risen in the night, and given a prey to her household, and provisions to her maidsShe has considered a field and bought it. From the fruit of her own hands, she has planted a vineyardShe has wrapped her waist with fortitude, and she has strengthened her armShe has tasted and seen that her tasks are good; her lamp shall not be extinguished at nightShe has put her hand to strong things, and her fingers have taken hold of the spindleShe has opened her hand to the needy, and she has extended her hands to the poorShe shall not fear, in the cold of snow, for her household. For all those of her household have been clothed two-foldShe has made embroidered clothing for herself. Fine linen and purple is her garmentHer husband is noble at the gates, when he sits among the senators of the landShe has made finely woven cloth and sold it, and she has delivered a waistband to the CanaaniteStrength and elegance are her clothing, and she will laugh in the final daysShe has opened her mouth to wisdom, and the law of clemency is on her tongueShe has considered the paths of her household, and she has not eaten her bread in idlenessHer sons rose up and predicted great happiness; her husband rose up and praised herMany daughters have gathered together riches; you have surpassed them allCharm is false, and beauty is vain. The woman who fears the Lord, the same shall be praisedGive to her from the fruit of her own hands. And let her works praise her at the gates
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