The Words of King Lemuel
1The words of Lemuel, a king—an oracle by which his mother disciplined him: 2“What, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows? 3Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to those who wipe out kings. 4It is not for kings, Lemuel—not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to ask, ‘Where is the strong drink?’* 5or he will drink and forget what has been decreed and twist the justice due to all the afflicted. 6Give strong drink to the one who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter in soul. 7Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. 8Open your mouth for the mute, for the cause of all who are passing away. 9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and the needy.”
A Woman of Strength
10A woman of strength—who can find her? Her worth is far above corals. 11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack for gain. 12She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. 13She seeks out wool and flax, and her hands work with delight. 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her bread from far away. 15She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household and a portion to her servant girls. 16She considers a field and takes it; from the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17She girds her waist with strength and makes her arms strong. 18She tastes that her trading is good; her lamp does not go out at night. 19She puts out her hands to the distaff, and her palms hold the spindle. 20She opens her palm to the poor and stretches out her hands to the needy. 21She has no fear of snow for her household, for all her household is clothed in scarlet. 22She makes coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is known at the gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 25Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the days to come. 26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27She watches over the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband too, and he praises her: 29“Many daughters have done well, but you have surpassed them all.” 30Charm is a lie and beauty is a breath, but a woman who fears Yahweh—she is the one to be praised. 31Give her from the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.
Notes
- 31:4 — The Hebrew text is written “or” (o); the Masoretic tradition directs that it be read “where?” (ei). With what is written, the line would say “nor strong drink for rulers.” This translation follows what is read.
