| 1 The sayings of Lemuel, king of Massa, taught him by his mother. | |
| 2 No, my son! Son of my womb, no! No, my most beloved son! | |
| 3 Do not waste your strength on women, or your life on those who destroy kings. | |
| 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to love strong drink. | |
| 5 Lest in drinking they forget what they have decreed and override the cause of the helpless. | |
| 6 Give strong drink to the one about to die and wine to the heart full of bitterness: | |
| 7 so that he may drink and forget his misfortune and remember his pain no more. | |
| 8 Speak on behalf of the dumb and defend the cause of all who are destitute. | |
| 9 Open your mouth, pronounce just sentences, defend the needy and the poor. | |
| 10 The woman of character, where is she to be found? She is more precious than any jewel. | |
| 11 Her husband has complete confidence in her; she will be of great benefit to him. | |
| 12 She brings him only good and not evil, all the days of her life. | |
| 13 She has obtained wool and flax, and works them with skillful hands. | |
| 14 She is like the merchant ships which bring provisions from afar. | |
| 15 She gets up while it is still dark, feeds her household and allots tasks to the servants. | |
| 16 If she sets her heart on a field, she buys it and plants a vineyard with her own hands. | |
| 17 She is full of energy and her arms show her strength. | |
| 18 She knows her work is successful and, at night, her light remains unextinguished. | |
| 19 She puts her hand to the distaff and her fingers hold the spindle. | |
| 20 She reaches out her hand to the helpless and gives to the poor. | |
| 21 When snow comes, she has no fears for her household since they are all doubly clothed. | |
| 22 She makes her own quilts and her clothes are purple and fine linen. | |
| 23 Her husband is well-respected; he sits in council with the elders of the people. | |
| 24 She weaves linen cloth and sells it; she supplies the merchants with sashes. | |
| 25 She is strong and dignified and looks with confidence to the future. | |
| 26 She speaks wisely and her words are kind. | |
| 27 She keeps an eye on the conduct of her household and is never idle. | |
| 28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed, her husband sings her praises: | |
| 29 “Many women have done wonders but you surpass them all.” | |
| 30 Charm is deceptive and beauty useless; the woman who is wise is the one to praise. | |
| 31 May she enjoy the fruits of her labor and may all praise her for her works. | |
