New International Version | New International Version |
1The sayings of King Lemuel--an inspired utterance his mother taught him. | 1The sayings of King Lemuel--an inspired utterance his mother taught him. |
2Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! | 2Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers! |
3Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. | 3Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings. |
4It is not for kings, Lemuel-- it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, | 4It is not for kings, Lemuel-- it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer, |
5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. | 5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights. |
6Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! | 6Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish! |
7Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. | 7Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more. |
8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. | 8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. |
9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. | 9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. |
10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. | 10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. |
11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. | 11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. |
12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. | 12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. |
13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. | 13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. |
14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. | 14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. |
15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. | 15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. |
16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. | 16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. |
17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. | 17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. |
18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. | 18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. |
19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. | 19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. |
20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. | 20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. |
21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. | 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. |
22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. | 22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. |
23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. | 23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. |
24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. | 24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. |
25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. | 25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. |
26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. | 26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. |
27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. | 27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. |
28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: | 28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: |
29"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." | 29"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." |
30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. | 30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. |
31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. | 31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. |
New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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