31Proverbs 31

What King Lemuel's Mother Taught Him

1These are the sayings that King Lemuel of Massa was taught by his mother.Select Proverbs 31:1

2My son Lemuel, you were born in answer to my prayers, so listen carefully.Select Proverbs 31:2

3Don't waste your life chasing after women! This has ruined many kings.Select Proverbs 31:3

4Kings and leaders should not get drunk or even want to drink.Select Proverbs 31:4

5Drinking makes you forget your responsibilities, and you mistreat the poor.Select Proverbs 31:5

6Beer and wine are only for the dying or for those who have lost all hope.Select Proverbs 31:6

7Let them drink and forget how poor and miserable they feel.Select Proverbs 31:7

8But you must defend those who are helpless and have no hope.Select Proverbs 31:8

9Be fair and give justice to the poor and homeless.Select Proverbs 31:9

In Praise of a Good Wife

10A truly good wife is the most precious treasure a man can find!Select Proverbs 31:10

11Her husband depends on her, and she never lets him down.Select Proverbs 31:11

12She is good to him every day of her life,Select Proverbs 31:12

13and with her own hands she gladly makes clothes.Select Proverbs 31:13

14She is like a sailing ship that brings food from across the sea.Select Proverbs 31:14

15She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and for her servants.Select Proverbs 31:15

16She knows how to buy land and how to plant a vineyard,Select Proverbs 31:16

17and she always works hard.Select Proverbs 31:17

18She knows when to buy or sell, and she stays busy until late at night.Select Proverbs 31:18

19She spins her own cloth,Select Proverbs 31:19

20and she helps the poor and the needy.Select Proverbs 31:20

21Her family has warm clothing, and so she doesn't worry when it snows.Select Proverbs 31:21

22She does her own sewing, and everything she wears is beautiful.Select Proverbs 31:22

23Her husband is a well-known and respected leader in the city.Select Proverbs 31:23

24She makes clothes to sell to the shop owners.Select Proverbs 31:24

25She is strong and graceful, as well as cheerful about the future.Select Proverbs 31:25

26Her words are sensible, and her advice is thoughtful.Select Proverbs 31:26

27She takes good care of her family and is never lazy.Select Proverbs 31:27

28Her children praise her, and with great pride her husband says,Select Proverbs 31:28

29“There are many good women, but you are the best!”Select Proverbs 31:29

30Charm can be deceiving, and beauty fades away, but a woman who honors the Lord deserves to be praised.Select Proverbs 31:30

31Show her respect— praise her in public for what she has done.Select Proverbs 31:31