Proverbs 31:1-12 ▼

1 The words of King Lemuel, the pronouncement which his mother taught him:

2 What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?

3 Do not give your strength to women, Or your ways to that which destroys kings.

4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire intoxicating drink,

5 Otherwise they will drink and forget what is decreed, And pervert the rights of all the needy.

6 Give intoxicating drink to one who is perishing, And wine to one whose life is bitter.

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

8 Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, For the rights of all the unfortunate.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And defend the rights of the poor and needy.

10 An excellent wife, who can find her? For her worth is far above jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, And he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.