The words of King Lemuel, taught by his mother: do not give strength to women or wine, and speak up for those who cannot. The book ends with a poem in praise of the virtuous woman, whose price is far above rubies.
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 .
4 It is not for kings , O Lemuel , it is not for kings to drink wine ; nor for princes strong drink :
5 Lest they drink , and forget the law , and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted .
6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish , and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts .
7 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 .
9 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 .
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil .
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life .
13 She seeketh wool , and flax , and worketh willingly with her hands .
14 She is like the merchants ' ships ; she bringeth her food from afar .
15 She riseth also while it is yet night , and giveth meat to her household , and a portion to her maidens .
16 She considereth a field , and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard .
17 She girdeth her loins with strength , and strengtheneth her arms .
18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good : her candle goeth not out by night .
19 She layeth her hands to the spindle , and her hands hold the distaff .
20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor ; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy .
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household : for all her household are clothed with scarlet .
22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry ; her clothing is silk and purple .
23 Her husband is known in the gates , when he sitteth among the elders of the land .
24 She maketh fine linen , and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant .
25 Strength and honour are her clothing ; and she shall rejoice in time to come .
26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom ; and in her tongue is the law of kindness .
27 She looketh well to the ways of her household , and eateth not the bread of idleness .
28 Her children arise up , and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29 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 .