1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught
him.
2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son
of my vows?
3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which
destroyeth kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink
wine; nor for princes strong drink:
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment
of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine
unto those that be of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery
no more.
8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are
appointed to destruction.
9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the
poor and needy.
10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above
rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he
shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her
hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from
afar.
15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her
household, and a portion to her maidens.
16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her
hands she planteth a vineyard.
17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her
arms.
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth
not out by night.
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the
distaff.
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she 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 scarlet.
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk
and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the
elders of the land.
24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles
unto the merchant.
25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in
time to come.
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the
law of kindness.
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not
the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also,
and he praiseth her.
29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them
all.
30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works
praise her in the gates.
Book 21 Ecclesiastes
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