For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four which it cannot bear:

For a servant when he reigneth; and a fool when he is filled with meat;

For an odious woman when she is married; and an handmaid that is heir to her mistress.

There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise:

A king there is not to the locust, And it goeth out -- each one shouting,

The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces.

There are three things whose steps are good to see, even four whose goings are fair:

A lion which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any;

A greyhound; an he goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up.

For as the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife."

Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which is the destruction of kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to any that is afflicted.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

With thy mouth defend the thing that is lawful and right, and the cause of the poor and helpless.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her; as a result, he lacks nothing of value.

She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil
All the days of her life.

She obtains wool and flax, and she is pleased to work with her hands.

She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

Her hands are stretched out to the poor; yes, she is open-handed to those who are in need.

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

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

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

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She is watching the ways of her household, And bread of sloth she eateth not.

Her children stand up and encourage her, as does her husband, who praises her:

“Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness],
But you excel them all.”

Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.