Proverbs 31

1 The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. 2 “Oh, my son! Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! 3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ 5 lest they drink, and forget the decree, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul: 7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy." 10 ALEPH Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11 BET The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. 12 GIMEL She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. 13 DALET She seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with her hands. 14 HEY She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar. 15 VAV She rises also while it is yet night, gives food to her household, and portions for her servant girls. 16 ZAYIN She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 17 HET She girds her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong. 18 TET She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn’t go out by night. 19 YOD She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. 20 KAPH She opens her arms to the poor; yes, she extends her hands to the needy. 21 LAMED She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 MEM She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 NUN Her husband is respected in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 SAMEKH She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 AYIN Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. 26 PEY She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 TZADE She looks well to the ways of her household, and doesn’t eat the bread of idleness. 28 QOPH Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: 29 RESH “Many women do noble things, but you excel them all." 30 SHIN Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. 31 TAV Give her of the fruit of her hands! Let her works praise her in the gates!