1The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him.2What shall I say, my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?3Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to those who destroy kings.4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for rulers to desire strong drink.5Lest he drink and forget what is decreed and change the judgment of all the sons of affliction.6Give strong drink to the one perishing and wine to the bitter of soul.7Let him drink and forget his poverty, and let him not still remember his trouble.8Open your mouth for the mute, for the judgment of all who are passing away.9Open your lips; judge righteousness and judge the afflicted and the needy.10A woman of valor, who can find? Her worth is far beyond jewels.11The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack gain.12She has done him good and not bad all the days of her life.13She seeks wool and flax and works with the pleasure of her hands.14She is like ships of trade; from a distance she brings her food.15She rises while it is still night and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidens.16She considers a field and takes it; from the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.17She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms.18She perceives that her profit is pleasant; her lamp is not quenched at night.19Her hands reach for the distaff, and her palms grasp the spindle.20She spreads her palm to the afflicted and sends her hands to the needy.21She does not fear for her house from snow, for all her house is clothed in scarlet.22She makes coverings for herself of linen, and her clothing is purple.23Her husband is known in the gates when he sits with the elders of the land.24She makes linen and sells it, and gives a belt to the merchant.25Strength and glory are her clothing, and she laughs at the last day.26She opens her lips with wisdom and the instruction of kindness is upon her tongue.27She watches over the conduct of her household and does not eat the bread of sluggishness.28Her children arise and bless her; her husband praises her.29Many daughters have acted with strength, but you rise above them all.30Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain; a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.31Give her from the fruit of her hands, and let her deeds praise her in the gates.