1The words of king Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him. 2What, my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows? 3Give not thy strength to women, nor thy ways to that which destroys kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers [to say], Where is strong drink? 5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice [due] to any who is afflicted. 6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul. 7Let him drink, and forget his need, and remember his misery no more. 8Open thy mouth for the mute, in the cause of all such as are left desolate. 9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and minister justice to the poor and needy. 10A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he shall have no lack of gain. 12She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchant ships: she brings her bread from afar. 15She also rises while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and their task to her maidens. 16She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17She girds her loins with strength, and makes strong her arms. 18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out by night. 19She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20She stretches out her hand to the poor, yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers girdles to the merchant. 25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. 26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue. 27She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28Her sons rise up, and call her blessed. Her husband [also], and he praises her. 29Many daughters have done worthily, but thou excel them all. 30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, [but] a woman who fears LORD, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.