The sayings of Lemuel, king of Massa, which his mother taught him.

What, my son? and what, son of my womb? and what, son of my vows?

Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers, where is strong drink?

Lest he drink and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to those who are bitter in soul.

Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die.

Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

She does him good and not harm all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands with delight.

She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.

She rises also while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and portions to her maidens.

She considers a field, and buys it: from the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.

She perceives that her merchandise is good: her lamp does not go out by night.

She lays her hands on the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

She extends her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes and sells fine linen; and delivers girdles to the merchant.

Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all.

Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman who fears יהוה, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.