Proverbs 31

Thomson(i) 1 These words of mine have been dictated by God, they are the prophecy of a king whom his mother instructed 2 What wilt thou keep my son? What! keep the dictates of God. One right of primogeniture I tell thee, my son. What is it thou son of my womb? What is it thou son of my vows? 3 Give not thy wealth to women; nor thine understanding and thy life for that which will bring sorrow. Do all things with counsel. Drink wine with counsel. 4 Princes are passionate, therefore let them not drink wine, 5 lest by drinking they forget wisdom, and become incapable of administering justice to the oppressed. 6 Give strong drink to those in trouble, and wine to be drunk by them who are in sorrow; 7 that they may forget their distress and no more remember their troubles. 8 Open thy mouth with the word of God, and administer justice to all with a sound understanding. 9 Open thy mouth and judge righteously, and plead the cause of the weak and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? Such a one is indeed more valuable than precious stones. 11 The heart of her husband trusteth in her: such a one hath no need of spoils: 12 for she laboureth for her husband's good all her life long. 13 Having spun wool and flax she made a useful work with her hands. 14 She was like a merchant vessel which bringeth riches from afar: 15 She arose by night and gave food to her household and work to her maids. 16 Having viewed a field she bought it, and with the fruits of her hands planted the purchase. 17 Having girded herself tight about the waist, she strengthened her arms for work. 18 And finding that it was good to work, her lamp is not extinguished the whole night. 19 Her elbows she extendeth over the spindle; and her hands she keepeth at the distaff. 20 But she opened her hand to the needy; and stretched out her handful to the distressed. 21 Her husband when long abroad is not concerned for those at home: for all with her are well clothed. 22 She made for her husband double garments; and for herself robes of cotton and purple. 23 And her husband is distinguished in the gates; when he sitteth in council with the elders of the land. 24 She made sindons and sold girdles to the Chananites. She opened her mouth sparingly and with propriety; and had her tongue in due subjection. 25 She clothed herself with majesty and excellence, and enjoyed delights in her latter days. 26 The gates of her house were kept close shut; and she eateth not the bread of idleness. 27 She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and maxims of prudence. 28 Her bounty caused her children to honour her; for they were rich, and her husband praised her. 29 Many daughters have possessed wealth, many have acted virtuously: but thou hast surpassed: thou hast excelled all. 30 False are allurements, and vain the beauty of a wife. For a woman of understanding is blessed. Let her therefore praise the fear of the Lord. 31 Give her of the fruits of her hands; and let her husband be praised in the gates.