Proverbs 31

1 “My words have been spoken by God—the oracle of a king whom his mother instructed.

2 What will you keep, my child? What? God’s sayings. My firstborn, I am speaking to you, my son. What, child of my womb? What, child of my vows?

3 Do not give your wealth to women, or your mind and life to later regret.

4 Do everything with counsel, and drink wine with counsel. Rulers are hot-tempered, so they must not drink wine,

5 or after drinking they may forget wisdom and become unable to judge the weak rightly.

6 Give strong drink to those in sorrow and wine to those in pain,

7 so that they may forget poverty and no longer remember their troubles.

8 Open your mouth with God’s word and judge everyone soundly.

9 Open your mouth and judge righteously; distinguish between the poor and the weak.”

10 Who will find a capable wife? Such a woman is more valuable than precious stones.

11 Her husband’s heart trusts in her, and such a woman will not lack fine spoils.

12 She works every good thing for her husband throughout her life.

13 She spins wool and flax and makes them useful with her hands.

14 She became like a trading ship from far away, and she gathers her livelihood.

15 She rises during the night, gives food to her household, and gives work to her female servants.

16 After inspecting a field, she buys it, and from the fruit of her hands she plants an estate.

17 She wraps strength around her waist and braces her arms for work.

18 She experiences that working is good, and her lamp is not extinguished all night.

19 She stretches her forearms toward useful work and braces her hands on the spindle.

20 She opens her hands to the needy and extends fruit to the poor.

21 Her husband does not worry about those at home when he stays somewhere for a long time, because everyone with her is clothed.

22 She makes double-layered cloaks for her husband and clothing of fine linen and purple for herself.

23 Her husband becomes prominent at the gates whenever he sits in council with the elderly inhabitants of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and she supplies belts to the Canaanites.

25 She opens her mouth attentively and lawfully and directs order with her tongue.

26 She clothes herself with strength and dignity and rejoices in the last days.

27 The routines of her household are careful, and she does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 She opens her mouth wisely and according to law. Her act of mercy raises up her children, and they become rich; her husband praises her:

29 “Many daughters have gained wealth, and many have done mighty things, but you have risen above and surpassed them all.”

30 Charm is false and a woman’s beauty is futile, but an understanding woman is blessed; let her praise the fear of the Lord.

31 Give her from the fruit of her hands, and let her husband be praised at the gates.