New King James Version | International Standard Version |
1The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him: | 1The words of King Lemuel— a pronouncement with which his mother encouraged him. |
2What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? | 2No, my son! No, my son whom I conceived! No, my son to whom I gave birth! |
3Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys 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, Nor for princes intoxicating drink; | 4It is not for kings, Lemuel— Not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to desire liquor. |
5Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted. | 5Otherwise, they may drink and forget what has been ordained, perverting justice for all the oppressed. |
6Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. | 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 the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die. | 8Speak for those who cannot speak; seek justice for all those on the verge of destruction. |
9Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy. | 9Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and oppressed. |
10Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. | 10Who can find a capable wife? Her value far exceeds the finest jewels. |
11The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. | 11Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value. |
12She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. | 12She will bring good to him—never evil— every day of her life. |
13She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. | 13She seeks out wool and flax, working with eager hands. |
14She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. | 14She is like a seagoing ship that brings her food from far away. |
15She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. | 15She rises while it is still night, preparing meals for her family and providing for her women servants. |
16She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. | 16She evaluates a field and purchases it; from the proceeds she plants a vineyard. |
17She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. | 17She clothes herself with fortitude, and fortifies her arms with strength. |
18She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by 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 her hand holds the spindle. | 19She works with her own hands on her clothes — her hands work the sewing spindle. |
20She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. | 20She reaches out to the poor, opening her hands to those in need. |
21She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. | 21She is unafraid of winter's effect on her household, because all of them are warmly clothed. |
22She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. | 22She creates her own bedding, using fine linen and violet cloth. |
23Her husband is known in the gates, When 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, And supplies sashes for the merchants. | 24She designs and sells linen garments, supplying accessories to clothiers. |
25Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. | 25Strength and dignity are her garments; she smiles about the future. |
26She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness. | 26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love. |
27She watches over the ways 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 also, and he praises her: | 28Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her: |
29“Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all.” | 29"Many women have done wonderful things," he says, "but you surpass all of them!" |
30Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. | 30Charm is deceitful and beauty fades; 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. | 31Reward her for her work— let her actions result in public praise. |
The Holy Bible, New King James Version, Copyright © 1982 Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved. | The Holy Bible: International Standard Version® Release 2.1 Copyright © 1996-2012 The ISV Foundation ALL RIGHTS RESERVED INTERNATIONALLY. |
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