The Words of King Lemuel

1My words have been spoken by God—the oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.

2What wilt thou keep, my son, what? the words of God. My firstborn son, I speak to thee: what? son of my womb? what? son of my vows?

3Give not thy wealth to women, nor thy mind and living to remorse. Do all things with counsel: drink wine with counsel.

4Princes are prone to anger: let them then not drink wine:

5lest they drink, and forget wisdom, and be not able to judge the poor rightly.

6Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain:

7that they may forget their poverty, and may not remember their troubles any more.

8Open thy mouth with the word of God, and judge all fairly.

9Open thy mouth and judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and weak.

The Virtues of Noble Woman

10Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils.

12For she employs all her living for her husband's good.

13Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands.

14She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her livelihood.

15And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and appointed tasks to her maidens.

16She views a farm, and buys it: and with the fruit of her hands she plants and a possession.

17She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work.

18And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night.

19She reaches forth her arms to needful works, and applies her hands to the spindle.

20And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.

21Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all her household are clothed.

22She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.

23And her husband becomes a distinguished person in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.

24She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.

25She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days.

26But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law.

27The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread of idleness.

28And her kindness to them sets up her children for them, and they grow rich, and her husband praises her.

29Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly; but thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed all.

30Charms are false, and woman's beauty is vain: for it is a wise woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear the Lord.

31Give her of the fruit of her lips; and let her husband be praised in the gates.