1 The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him. ISV — Proverbs 31:1
2 No, a31:2 Or What my son! No, b31:2 Or What my son whom I conceived! c31:2 Lit. son of my womb? No, d31:2 Or What my son to whom I gave birth! e31:2 Lit. son of my vows ISV — Proverbs 31:2
3 Never devote all your energy to sex, f31:3 Lit. women or dedicate your life g31:3 Lit. ways to destroying kings. ISV — Proverbs 31:3
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor. ISV — Proverbs 31:4
5 Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed. ISV — Proverbs 31:5
6 Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed. h31:6 Lit. one whose soul is bitter ISV — Proverbs 31:6
7 Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more. ISV — Proverbs 31:7
8 Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction. i31:8 Lit. all sons of destruction ISV — Proverbs 31:8
9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. ISV — Proverbs 31:9
10 Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels. ISV — Proverbs 31:10
11 Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value. ISV — Proverbs 31:11
12 She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life. ISV — Proverbs 31:12
13 She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands. ISV — Proverbs 31:13
14 She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away. ISV — Proverbs 31:14
15 She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants. ISV — Proverbs 31:15
16 She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard. ISV — Proverbs 31:16
17 She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength. ISV — Proverbs 31:17
18 She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night. ISV — Proverbs 31:18
19 She works with her own hands on her clothes j31:19 Lit. staff — her hands work the sewing spindle. ISV — Proverbs 31:19
20 She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need. ISV — Proverbs 31:20
21 She is unafraid of winter’s effect on k31:21 Lit. of the snow for her household, because all of them are warmly clothed. l31:21 Lit. are clothed in red ISV — Proverbs 31:21
22 She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth. ISV — Proverbs 31:22
23 Her husband is well known; m31:23 Lit. is known in the gates he sits among the leaders of the land. ISV — Proverbs 31:23
24 She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories n31:24 Or belts to clothiers. ISV — Proverbs 31:24
25 Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future. ISV — Proverbs 31:25
26 She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love. ISV — Proverbs 31:26
27 She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy. o31:27 Lit. she does not eat the food of laziness ISV — Proverbs 31:27
28 Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her: ISV — Proverbs 31:28
29 “Many women have done wonderful things,” he says, p31:29 The Heb. lacks he says “but you surpass all of them!” ISV — Proverbs 31:29
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. ISV — Proverbs 31:30
31 Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise. q31:31 Lit. in praise in the gates ISV — Proverbs 31:31