1 - The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2 - What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3 - Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
4 - It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 - Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 - Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 - Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 - Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
9 - Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 - Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 - The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 - She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 - She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14 - She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15 - She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 - She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 - She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18 - She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19 - She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 - She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21 - She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 - She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 - Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24 - She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25 - Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 - She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 - She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28 - Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 - Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30 - Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 - Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.