1The words given to King Lemuel; the prophecy which his mother taught him.

2What, O my son! and what, O son of my womb! Yea, what, O son of my vows! [[shall I say to thee?]]

3Give not thy strength to women, Nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings!

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel! It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes to desire strong drink;

5Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the rights of any of the afflicted.

6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, And wine to him that hath a heavy heart;

7Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more!

8Open thy mouth for the dumb, In the cause of every orphan!

9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, And maintain the cause of the poor and needy!

10Who can find a capable woman? Her worth is far above pearls.

11The heart of her husband trusteth in her, And he is in no want of gain.

12She doeth him good, and not evil, All the days of her life.

13She seeketh wool and flax, And worketh willingly with her hands.

14She is like the merchants' ships; She bringeth her food from afar.

15She riseth while it is yet night, And giveth food to her family, And a task to her maidens.

16She layeth a plan for a field, and buyeth it; With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17She girdeth her loins with strength, And maketh strong her arms.

18She perceiveth how pleasant is her gain, And her lamp is not extinguished in the night.

19She putteth forth her hands to the distaff, And her hands take hold of the spindle.

20She spreadeth out her hand to the poor, Yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21She hath no fear for her household on account of the snow, For all her household are clothed with crimson.

22She maketh for herself coverlets; Her clothing is of fine linen and purple.

23Her husband is known in the gates, When he sitteth with the elders of the land.

24She maketh linen garments and selleth them, And delivereth girdles to the merchant.

25Strength and honor are her clothing; And she laugheth at the days to come.

26She openeth her mouth with wisdom, And kind instruction is upon her tongue.

27She looketh well to the ways of her household, And eateth not the bread of idleness.

28Her children rise up, and extol her; Her husband, and praiseth her, [[saving,]]

29“Many daughters have done, virtuously, But thou excellest them all.”

30Grace is deceitful, and beauty vain; But the woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31Give ye her of the fruit of her hands, And let her works praise her in the gates.