1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? and what, O son of my womb?
3 Give not thy strength unto women,
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine;
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law,
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish,
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty,
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb,
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously,
10 A worthy woman who can find?
11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her,
12 She doeth him good and not evil
13 She seeketh wool and flax,
14 She is like the merchant-ships;
15 She riseth also while it is yet night,
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it;
17 She girdeth her loins with strength,
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is profitable;
19 She layeth her hands to the distaff,
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor;
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household;
22 She maketh for herself carpets of tapestry;
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
24 She maketh linen garments and selleth them,
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing;
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom;
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household,
28 Her children rise up, and call her blessed;
29 Many daughters have done worthily,
30 Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain;
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands;