1 These are the wise sayings of King Lemuel. His mother taught him these things. 2 You are my son. The son that I love. You are the son that I prayed to have. 3 Don’t waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don’t waste yourself on them. 4 Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer. 5 They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away all the rights of poor people. 6 Give beer to the poor people. Give wine to those people who are in trouble. 7 Let them drink and forget that they are poor. Let them forget all their troubles. 8 ˻If a person can’t help himself, then you should help him.˼ Speak up for a person who can’t speak! Help people who are in trouble! 9 Stand up for the things you know are right. And judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of poor people and people that need help. 10 It is very hard to find “the perfect woman.” But she is worth much more than jewels. 11 Her husband depends on her. He will never be poor. 12 She does good for her husband all her life. She never causes him trouble. 13 She is always gathering wool and flax and gladly making things with her hands. 14 She is like a ship from a faraway place. She brings food home from everywhere. 15 She wakes very early in the morning. She cooks food for her family and gives the servants their share. 16 She looks at land and buys it. She uses money she has earned and plants a vineyard. 17 She works very hard. She is strong and able to do all her work. 18 When she trades the things she has made, she always earns a profit. And she works until late at night. 19 She makes her own thread and weaves her own cloth. 20 She always gives to poor people and helps people that need it. 21 She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows. She has given them all good, warm clothes. 22 She makes sheets and spreads for the beds. And she wears clothes of fine linen. 23 People respect her husband. He is one of the leaders of the land. 24 She is a very good businesswoman. She makes clothes and belts, and sells them to businessmen. 25 She is praised and people respect her. She looks to the future with confidence. 26 She speaks with wisdom. She teaches people to be loving and kind. 27 She is never lazy. She takes care of the things in her house. 28 Her children say good things about her. Her husband brags about her and says, 29 “There are many good women. But you are the best.” 30 Grace and beauty can fool you. But a woman who respects the Lord should be praised. 31 Give her the reward she deserves. Praise her in public for the things she has done.
