Proverbs 31 · משלי

The words of king Lemu᾽el, the prophecy, that his mother taught him.

What, my son? and what, son of my womb? and what, son of my vows?

Give not thy strength to women, nor thy ways to those who destroy kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemu᾽el, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to say, Where is strong drink?

Lest he drink, and forget the decree, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those of heavy hearts.

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Open thy mouth for the dumb, in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Who can find a woman of worth? for her price is far above rubies.

The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, and he shall have no lack of gain.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She seeks wool, and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchant ships; she brings her food from afar.

She rises also while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She considers a field, and buys it: with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

She girds her loins with strength, and she makes her arms strong.

She perceives that her merchandise is good: her candle does not go out by night.

She lays her hands to the distaff, and her palms hold the spindle.

She stretches out her palm to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She makes herself coverlets; her clothing is fine linen and purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

She makes garments, and sells them; and delivers girdles to the merchant.

Strength and dignity are her clothing; and she laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is a Tora of steadfast love.

She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Grace is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her deeds praise her in the gates.