Who can find a capable wife?
She is far more precious than jewels.

Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

Speak up for those who have no voice,
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.

The words of King Lemuel,
an oracle that his mother taught him:

She opens her mouth with wisdom
and loving instruction is on her tongue.

Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will not lack anything good.

Strength and honor are her clothing,
and she can laugh at the time to come.

Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:

She watches over the activities of her household
and is never idle.

It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings to drink wine
or for rulers to desire beer.

What should I say, my son?
What, son of my womb?
What, son of my vows?

Give her the reward of her labor,
and let her works praise her at the city gates.

She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.

She rewards him with good, not evil,
all the days of her life.

Her hands reach out to the poor,
and she extends her hands to the needy.

Her husband is known at the city gates,
where he sits among the elders of the land.

She evaluates a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her earnings.

“Many women are capable,
but you surpass them all!”

Speak up, judge righteously,
and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.

She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all in her household are doubly clothed.

She rises while it is still night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her female servants.

Don’t spend your energy on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.

She draws on her strength
and reveals that her arms are strong.

She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
and her hands hold the spindle.

She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from far away.

She makes her own bed coverings;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.

She makes and sells linen garments;
she delivers belts to the merchants.

She sees that her profits are good,
and her lamp never goes out at night.

Otherwise, they will drink,
forget what is decreed,
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.

Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.