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2 O my son, O son of my womb,
O son of my vows,
3 do not expend your strength on women,
your energy on those who destroy kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine,
it is not for rulers to crave beer;
5 lest they drink and forget what is decreed,
and deprive the oppressed of justice.
6 Give beer to those who are perishing,
and wine to those for whom life is bitter.
7 Let him drink so he can forget his poverty
and remember his 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 righteously,
and defend the cause of the poor and needy.
10 A virtuous wife, who can find?
Her value is far more than rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will not lack anything good.
12 She rewards him with good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is still dark;
she provides food for her household,
and portions for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her virtuous and productive hands.
17 She cloaks herself with vigour,
and her arms are strong.
18 She sees that her merchandise is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She reaches out her hands to the spinning staff
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She reaches out her hands to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gates,
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 honour;
she can rejoice at the days that lay ahead.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and loving instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her own household,
and never eats the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done 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 gates.