^{1 Ref} The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

^{2 Ref} What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

^{3 Ref} Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

^{4 Ref} It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

^{5 Ref} Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

^{6 Ref} Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

^{7 Ref} Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

^{8 Ref} Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

^{9 Ref} Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

^{10 Ref} Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

^{11 Ref} The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

^{12 Ref} She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

^{13 Ref} She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

^{14 Ref} She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

^{15 Ref} She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

^{16 Ref} She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

^{17 Ref} She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

^{18 Ref} She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

^{19 Ref} She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

^{20 Ref} She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

^{21 Ref} She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

^{22 Ref} She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

^{23 Ref} Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

^{24 Ref} She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

^{25 Ref} Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

^{26 Ref} She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

^{27 Ref} She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

^{28 Ref} Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

^{29 Ref} Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

^{30 Ref} Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

^{31 Ref} Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.