| 章 |
| 31:1 |
The sayings of King Lemuel--an oracle his mother taught him:
|
| 31:2 |
"O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
|
| 31:3 |
do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
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| 31:4 |
"It is not for kings, O Lemuel-- not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
|
| 31:5 |
lest they drink and forget what the law decrees, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
|
| 31:6 |
Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;
|
| 31:7 |
let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
|
| 31:8 |
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
|
| 31:9 |
Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
|
| 31:10 |
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
|
| 31:11 |
Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
|
| 31:12 |
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
|
| 31:13 |
She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
|
| 31:14 |
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
|
| 31:15 |
She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
|
| 31:16 |
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
|
| 31:17 |
She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
|
| 31:18 |
She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
|
| 31:19 |
In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
|
| 31:20 |
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
|
| 31:21 |
When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
|
| 31:22 |
She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
|
| 31:23 |
Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
|
| 31:24 |
She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
|
| 31:25 |
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
|
| 31:26 |
She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
|
| 31:27 |
She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
|
| 31:28 |
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
|
| 31:29 |
"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
|
| 31:30 |
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
|
| 31:31 |
Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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