Proverbs 31:1-12 ▼

1 The sayings of King Lemuel, a prophetic revelation, used by his mother to discipline him.

2 |What, my son? What, son to whom I gave birth? What, son of my prayers?

3 Don't give your strength to women or your power to those who ruin kings.

4 |It is not for kings, Lemuel. It is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave liquor.

5 Otherwise, they drink and forget what they have decreed and change the standard of justice for all oppressed people.

6 Give liquor to a person who is dying and wine to one who feels resentful.

7 Such a person drinks and forgets his poverty and does not remember his trouble anymore.

8 |Speak out for the one who cannot speak, for the rights of those who are doomed.

9 Speak out, judge fairly, and defend the rights of oppressed and needy people.|

10 |Who can find a wife with a strong character? She is worth far more than jewels.

11 Her husband trusts her with [all] his heart, and he does not lack anything good.

12 She helps him and never harms him all the days of her life.