1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:2O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, 3do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which ruins kings. 4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to crave strong drink, 5lest they drink and forget what is decreed and remove from all the poor their legal rights. 6Give strong drink to the one who is perishing and wine to those who are bitterly distressed; 7let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their misery no more. 8Open your mouth on behalf of those unable to speak, for the legal rights of all the dying. 9Open your mouth, judge in righteousness, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10Who can find a wife of noble character? For her value is far more than rubies. 11Her husband’s heart has trusted her, and he does not lack the dividends.12She has rewarded him with good and not harm all the days of her life. 13She sought out wool and flax, then worked happily with her hands. 14She was like the merchant ships; she would bring in her food from afar. 15Then she rose while it was still night, and provided food for her household and a portion to her female servants.16She considered a field and bought it; from her own income she planted a vineyard. 17She clothed herself in might, and she strengthened her arms. 18She perceived that her merchandise was good. Her lamp would not go out in the night. 19She extended her hands to the spool, and her hands grasped the spindle.20She opened her hand to the poor, and extended her hands to the needy. 21She would not fear for her household in winter, because all her household were clothed with scarlet, 22because she had made coverings for herself; and because her clothing was fine linen and purple. 23Her husband is well known in the city gate when he sits with the elders of the land. 24She made linen garments then sold them and traded belts to the merchants; 25her clothing was strong and splendid; and she laughed at the time to come.26She has opened her mouth with wisdom, with loving instruction on her tongue. 27Watching over the ways of her household, she would not eat the bread of idleness. 28Her children have risen and called her blessed; her husband also has praised her:29“Many daughters have done valiantly, but you have surpassed them all!” 30Charm is deceitful and beauty is fleeting. A woman who fears the Lord—she makes herself praiseworthy.31Give her credit for what she has accomplished, and let her works praise her in the city gates.