Chapter Thirty-One

The proverbs of King Lemuel, an oracle taught to him by his mother:

Listen, my son.  Listen, the offspring of my womb.  Listen, the fulfillment of my marriage vows! 

Do not waste your time chasing after women, a vice that has destroyed kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; rulers should not have a craving for liquor, for they may forget about the laws they have decreed and so deprive of justice any of the afflicted.  Let liquor be for those who are dying and or for those who are depressed.  Let them drink to forget those who are poor so they may recall their misery no more.

Speak out for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of those who have been dispossessed.  Speak out and judge fairly.  Defend the rights of the poor and the needy.

A virtuous wife, who can find one?  For her value is greater than precious stones.  Her husband can place his trust in her, and she will see that he lacks for nothing.  She brings him good, and no harm, through all the days of her life.  She carefully selects the wool and the flax and works them with eager hands.  She is like the merchant ships that transport food from afar.  She rises while it is still dark, fixes meals for the family, and gives tasks to her serving maids.  She inspects a field and buys it, and with her own hands plants vineyard.  She sets out to work with fervor and with strong hands.  She sees that her work turns a profit.  Her lamp is not put out during the night.  Spinning, one hand grasps the spindle and the other holds the spun fiber.  She gives a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy as well.  She has no fear of cold weather, for those in her household have clothes for the winter.  She sews her own bed pillows and coverings.  And her clothing is of fine linen dyed Tyrian purple.  Her husband is well known in the city square and takes his place among the elders of the land.  She sews garments of fine linen and sells them and supplies merchants with sashes. She comports herself with strength and dignity and looks to the future with joy. 
She speaks with wisdom and words of kindly instruction.  She supervises the activities of her household and does not indulge herself in idleness.  When her children get up, they call her blessed — as does her husband, who praises her, “Many are the women who act nobly, but you surpass them all.” 

Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but the woman who reveres Jehovah will be praised.  Give to her what her hands have made.  Let her works bring her praise in the city square.