Proverbs 31 NLT ISV Parallel

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◄ Proverbs 31 ►

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1The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.

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

2O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

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

3do not waste your strength on women, 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, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.

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

5For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.

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

6Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.

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

7Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.

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

8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

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

9Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. A Wife of Noble Character

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

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.

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

11Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

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

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

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

13She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.

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

14She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.

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

15She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

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

16She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

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

17She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

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

18She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

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

19Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.

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

20She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

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

21She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.

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

22She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

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

23Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.

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

24She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

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

25She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

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

26When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

26She speaks wisely, teaching with gracious love.

27She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

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

28Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

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

29“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, 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 does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

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

31Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

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

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