1
The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
2
What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
3
Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
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It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
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Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
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Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.
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Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8
Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
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Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10
Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
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The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
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She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
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She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14
She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
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She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
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She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
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She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
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She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
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She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
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She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
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She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
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She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
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Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
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She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
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Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
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She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
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She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
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Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
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Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
31
Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.