Proverbs 31 — FBV
31Verse 1These are the words of King Lemuel, an oracle, taught to him by his mother.Verse 2What shall I tell you, my son?—the son I gave birth to, the son given in response to my vows.Verse 3Don't waste your strength sleeping+with women, those that bring down kings.Verse 4Lemuel, kings shouldn't be drinking wine, rulers shouldn't be drinking alcohol.+Verse 5For if they drink, they'll forget what the law says, and pervert the rights of those who are suffering.Verse 6Give alcohol to those who are dying, and wine to those who are in terrible distress.Verse 7Let them drink so they can forget their poverty, and not remember their troubles any longer.Verse 8Speak up for those who have no voice, for the rights of those marginalized by society.Verse 9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the poor and destitute.Verse 10Who can find a strong, capable wife? She's worth more than jewels!+Verse 11Her husband has complete confidence in her, and with her he'll never be poor.Verse 12She brings him good, not evil, all her life.Verse 13She gets wool and flax, and with her eager hands turns them into clothes.Verse 14Like a merchant's ship, she brings food from far away.Verse 15She gets up while it's still dark to make breakfast for her family, and to plan what her servant girls need to do.Verse 16She looks at a field, and decides to buy it; from the money she's earned she buys a vineyard.Verse 17She's keen to get ready, and works hard with her strong arms.Verse 18She knows that the things she makes are valuable. She keeps busy—her lamp burns late into the night.Verse 19She spins the thread and weaves the cloth.+Verse 20She's generous to the poor, and gives help to the needy.Verse 21She doesn't worry if it snows, because her whole family has warm+clothing.Verse 22She makes herself bedspreads; she dresses in fine linen and purple clothes.Verse 23Her husband is well-respected in the council at the town gates, where he sits with the town elders.Verse 24She makes linen clothes for sale, and supplies merchants with belts.Verse 25She's clothed with strength and dignity, and she is happy about the future.Verse 26She speaks wise words, and she's kind when she gives instructions.Verse 27She looks after the needs of her whole household, and she's never idle.Verse 28Her children are quick to bless her. Her husband praises her too, saying,Verse 29“Many women do great things, but you are better than all of them!”Verse 30Charm can deceive, and beauty fades, but a woman who honors the Lord should be praised.Verse 31Give her the recognition she deserves; praise her publicly for what she's done.