A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, [but] a woman who fears LORD, she shall be praised.

Open thy mouth for the mute, in the cause of all such as are left desolate.

The words of king Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him.

She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the law of kindness is on her tongue.

Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to the bitter in soul.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he shall have no lack of gain.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

Her sons rise up, and call her blessed. Her husband [also], and he praises her.

She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers [to say], Where is strong drink?

What, my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what, O son of my vows?

Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.

She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She stretches out her hand to the poor, yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.

Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

Many daughters have done worthily, but thou excel them all.

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and minister justice to the poor and needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She also rises while it is yet night, and gives food to her household, and their task to her maidens.

Give not thy strength to women, nor thy ways to that which destroys kings.

She girds her loins with strength, and makes strong her arms.

She lays her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

She is like the merchant ships: she brings her bread from afar.

She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers girdles to the merchant.

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out by night.

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice [due] to any who is afflicted.

Let him drink, and forget his need, and remember his misery no more.