| Holman Christian Standard Bible | International Standard Version |
| 1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: | 1The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him. |
| 2What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows? | 2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth! |
| 3Don't spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. | 3Never devote all your energy to sex, or dedicate your life to destroying kings. |
| 4It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. | 4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor. |
| 5Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. | 5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed. |
| 6Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter. | 6Give liquor to someone who is perishing, and wine to someone who is deeply depressed. |
| 7Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. | 7Let him drink, forget his poverty, and remember his troubles no more. |
| 8Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. | 8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction. |
| 9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. | 9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. |
| 10Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. | 10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels. |
| 11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. | 11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value. |
| 12She rewards him with good, not evil, 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 willing hands. | 13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands. |
| 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. | 14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away. |
| 15She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants. | 15She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants. |
| 16She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. | 16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard. |
| 17She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. | 17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength. |
| 18She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. | 18She is confident that her profits are sufficient. Her lamp does not go out at night. |
| 19She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle. | 19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle. |
| 20Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. | 20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need. |
| 21She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. | 21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed. |
| 22She makes her own bed coverings; 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 gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. | 23Her husband is well known; he sits among the leaders of the land. |
| 24She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts 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 time to come. | 25Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future. |
| 26She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue. | 26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love. |
| 27She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. | 27She looks discretely to the affairs of her household, and she is never lazy. |
| 28Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:" | 28Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her: |
| 29Many women are capable, 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 will be praised. | 30Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. |
| 31Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates. | 31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise. |
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