Proverbs 31:1-31 ICB

[1] These are the words of King Lemuel. This is the message his mother taught him: [2] "My son, I gave birth to you. You are the son I prayed for. [3] Don't waste your strength on women. Don't waste your time on those who ruin kings. [4] "Kings should not drink wine, Lemuel. Rulers should not desire beer. [5] If they drink, they might forget the law. They might keep the needy from getting their rights. [6] Give beer to people who are dying. And give wine to those who are sad. [7] Let them drink and forget their need. Then they won't remember their misery anymore. [8] "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Defend the rights of all those who have nothing. [9] Speak up and judge fairly. Defend the rights of the poor and needy." [10] It is hard to find an excellent wife. She is worth more than rubies. [11] Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs. [12] She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives. [13] She looks for wool and linen. She likes to work with her hands. [14] She is like a trader's ship. She goes far to get food. [15] She gets up while it is still dark. She prepares food for her family. She also feeds her servant girls. [16] She looks at a field and buys it. With money she has earned, she plants a vineyard. [17] She does her work with energy. Her arms are strong. [18] She makes sure that what she makes is good. She works by her lamp late into the night. [19] She makes thread with her hands and weaves her own cloth. [20] She welcomes the poor. She helps the needy. [21] She does not worry about her family when it snows. They all have fine clothes to keep them warm. [22] She makes coverings for her bed. Her clothes are made of linen and other expensive material. [23] Her husband is recognized at the city meetings. He makes decisions as one of the leaders of the land. [24] She makes linen clothes and sells them. She provides belts to the merchants. [25] She is strong and is respected by the people. She looks forward to the future with joy. [26] She speaks wise words. And she teaches others to be kind. [27] She watches over her family. And she is always busy. [28] Her children bless her. Her husband also praises her. [29] He says, "There are many excellent wives, but you are better than all of them." [30] Charm can fool you, and beauty can trick you. But a woman who respects the Lord should be praised. [31] Give her the reward she has earned. She should be openly praised for what she has done.