| King James Bible | Holman Christian Standard Bible |
| 1The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. | 1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him: |
| 2What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? | 2What should I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows? |
| 3Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. | 3Don't spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings. |
| 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: | 4It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire beer. |
| 5Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. | 5Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed. |
| 6Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. | 6Give beer to one who is dying and wine to one whose life is bitter. |
| 7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. | 7Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more. |
| 8Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. | 8Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. |
| 9Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. | 9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy. |
| 10Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. | 10Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels. |
| 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. | 11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good. |
| 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. | 12She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life. |
| 13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. | 13She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands. |
| 14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. | 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away. |
| 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. | 15She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants. |
| 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. | 16She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings. |
| 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. | 17She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong. |
| 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. | 18She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night. |
| 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. | 19She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle. |
| 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. | 20Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy. |
| 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. | 21She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed. |
| 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. | 22She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple. |
| 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. | 23Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land. |
| 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. | 24She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants. |
| 25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. | 25Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come. |
| 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. | 26She opens her mouth with wisdom and loving instruction is on her tongue. |
| 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. | 27She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle. |
| 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. | 28Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:" |
| 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. | 29Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!" |
| 30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. | 30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD will be praised. |
| 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. | 31Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates. |
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