Proverbs

Proverbs 31 ©

1 Lemuel's lesson of temperance and chastity. 6 The afflicted are to be comforted, and the poor defended. 10 The praise and properties of a virtuous woman.

1

THE words of king aLemuel, the 1prophecy that his bmother taught him.

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cWhat, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

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dGive not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways eto that which destroyeth kings.

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It is fnot for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

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gLest they drink, and forget the law, and 2pervert the judgment 3of any of the afflicted.

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hGive strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be 4of heavy hearts.

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

8

iOpen thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all 5such as are appointed to destruction.

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Open thy mouth, jjudge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

10

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

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The lheart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12

She mwill do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13

She nseeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14

She ois like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15

She priseth also while it is yet night, and giveth *meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16

She qconsidereth a field, and 6buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17

She rgirdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18

She 7perceiveth that her merchandise is good: sher candle goeth not out by night.

19

She tlayeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the *distaff.

20

She ustretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, 8she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with 9scarlet.

22

She vmaketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

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Her husband is known win the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

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She xmaketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

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yStrength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26

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

27

She alooketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

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Her bchildren arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29

Many daughters 10have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30

cFavour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but da woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

31

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