Proverbs 31
1THESE words of mine have been dictated by God. They are the prophecy of a king whom his mother instructed.
2What wilt thou keep, my son? What! keep the dictates of God. One right of primogeniture I tell thee, my son. What is it, thou son of my womb? What is it, thou son of my vows?
3Give not thy wealth to women; nor thine understanding and thy life for that which will bring sorrow.
4Do all things with counsel. Drink wine with counsel. Princes are passionate, therefore let them not drink wine,
5lest by drinking they forget wisdom, and become incapable of administering justice to the oppressed.
6Give strong drink to those in trouble, and wine to drink, to them who are in sorrow,
7that they may forget their distress and no more remember their troubles.
8Open thy mouth with the word of God, and administer justice to all with a sound understanding.
9Open thy mouth and judge righteously, and plead the cause of the weak and needy.
10Who can find a virtuous woman? Such a one is indeed more valuable than precious stones.
11The heart of her husband trusteth in her: such a one hath no need of spoils;
12for she laboureth for her husband’s good all her life long.
13Having spun wool and flax she made a useful work with her hands.
14She was like a merchant vessel which bringeth riches from afar;
15she arose by night and give food to her household and work to her maids.
16Having viewed a field she bought it, and with the fruits of her hands planted the purchase.
17Having girded herself tight about the waist, she strengthened her arms for work.
18And finding that it was good to work, her lamp is not extinguished the whole night.
19Her elbows she extendeth over the spindle; and her hands she keepeth at the distaff.
20But she opened her hand to the needy; and stretched out her handful to the distressed.
21Her husband when long abroad is not concerned for those at home: for all with her are well clothed.
22She made for her husband double garments; and for herself robes of cotton and purple.
23And her husband is distinguished in the gates; when he sitteth in council with the elders of the land.
24She made sindons and sold girdles to the Chananites. She opened her mouth sparingly and with propriety; and had her tongue in due subjection.
25She clothed herself with majesty and excellence, and enjoyed delights in her latter days.
27The gates of her house were kept close shut; and she eateth not the bread of idleness.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom and maxims of prudence.
28Her bounty caused her children to honour her, for they were rich; and her husband praised her.
29Many daughters have possessed wealth, many have acted virtuously: but thou hast surpassed—thou hast excelled all.
30False are allurements, and vain the beauty of a wife. For a woman of understanding is blessed. Let her therefore praise the fear of the Lord.
31Give her of the fruits of her hands; and let her husband be praised in the gates.