|
|
|
| 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. |
These are the sayings of King Lemuel, an oracle
that his mother taught him.
2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my promises, 3 do not spend your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. 4 And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor. 5 For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed. 6 Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression. 7 Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. 8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. 9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. 10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth
more than precious rubies. 11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly
enrich his life. 12 She will not hinder him but help him all her life.
|