Proverbs 31:1-12 ▼

1 The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

2 No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my vows!

3 Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink;

5 or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed, and will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

7 let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more.

8 Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.

9 Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

10 A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than 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 harm, all the days of her life.