Thematic Bible

Proverbs 31:1

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

Proverbs 31:2

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

Proverbs 31:3

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

Proverbs 31:4

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

Proverbs 31:5

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

Proverbs 31:6

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

Proverbs 31:7

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

Proverbs 31:8

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

Proverbs 31:9

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

Proverbs 31:10

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

Proverbs 31:11

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

Proverbs 31:12

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

Proverbs 31:13

She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.

Proverbs 31:14

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

Proverbs 31:15

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

Proverbs 31:16

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

Proverbs 31:17

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

Proverbs 31:18

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

Proverbs 31:19

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

Proverbs 31:20

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

Proverbs 31:21

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

Proverbs 31:22

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

Proverbs 31:23

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

Proverbs 31:24

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

Proverbs 31:25

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

Proverbs 31:26

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

Proverbs 31:27

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

Proverbs 31:28

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

Proverbs 31:29

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

Proverbs 31:30

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

Proverbs 31:31

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