Proverbs 31 BSB ISV Parallel

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◄ Proverbs 31 ►

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Berean Study Bible

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1These are the words of King Lemuel—the burden that his mother taught him:

1The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him.

2What shall I say, O my son? What, O son of my womb? What, O son of my vows?

2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth!

3Do not spend your strength on women or your vigor on those who ruin kings.

3Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings.

4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink,

4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor.

5lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.

5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed.

6Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to the bitter in soul.

6Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed.

7Let him drink and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

7Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more.

8Open your mouth for those with no voice, for the cause of all the dispossessed.

8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction.

9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.

9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.

10A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value.

11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.

12She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

12She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life.

13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands.

14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away.

15She rises while it is still night to provide food for her household and portions for her maidservants.

15She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants.

16She appraises a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard.

17She girds herself with strength and shows that her arms are strong.

17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength.

18She sees that her gain is good, and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

18She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night.

19She stretches out her hands to the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle.

20She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.

20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need.

21When it snows, she has no fear for her household, for they are all clothed in scarlet.

21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed.

22She makes coverings for her bed; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

22She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth.

23Her husband is known at the city gate, where he sits among the elders of the land.

23Her husband is well known; he sits among the leaders of the land.

24She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchants.

24She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers.

25Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the days to come.

25Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future.

26She opens her mouth with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.

27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

27She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy.

28Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband praises her as well:

28Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:

29“Many daughters have done noble things, but you surpass them all!”

29"Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!"

30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

30Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised.

31Give her the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her at the gates.

31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise.

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