| Chapter 31 |
1 |
The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. --
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2 |
'Oh, my son!' Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows! --
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3 |
Don't give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings. --
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4 |
It is not for kings, Lemuel; it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?' --
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5 |
Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. --
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6 |
Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; And wine to the bitter in soul: --
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7 |
Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more. --
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8 |
Open your mouth for the mute, In the cause of all who are left desolate. --
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9 |
Open your mouth, judge righteously, And serve justice to the poor and needy.' --
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10 |
Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies. --
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11 |
The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain. --
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12 |
She does him good, and not harm, All the days of her life. --
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13 |
She seeks wool and flax, And works eagerly with her hands. --
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14 |
She is like the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar. --
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15 |
She rises also while it is yet night, Gives food to her household, And their task to her servant girls. --
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16 |
She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. --
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17 |
She girds her loins with strength, And makes her arms strong. --
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18 |
She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by night. --
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19 |
She lays her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle. --
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20 |
She stretches out her hand to the poor; Yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy. --
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21 |
She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet. --
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22 |
She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple. --
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23 |
Her husband is respected in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. --
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24 |
She makes linen garments and sells them, And delivers sashes to the merchant. --
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25 |
Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come. --
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26 |
She opens her mouth with wisdom. The law of kindness is on her tongue. --
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27 |
She looks well to the ways of her household, And doesn't eat the bread of idleness. --
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28 |
Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her: --
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29 |
'Many women do noble things, But you excel them all.' --
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30 |
Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. --
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31 |
Give her of the fruit of her hands; Let her works praise her in the gates. --
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