CLV(i)
1 The words of Lemuel, a king:The oracle with which his mother admonished him:"
2 What, my son, and what, son of my belly! What, son of my vows!"
3 Do not give your potency to women, And your ways to those who wipe out kings."
4 It must not be for kings, O Lemuel, It must not be for kings to drink wine, Or for chancellors to yearn for intoxicant,
5 Lest such a one should drink and forget the statute, And alter the adjudication of all the sons of humiliation."
6 Give intoxicant to him who is perishing, And wine to those bitter of soul."
7 Let him drink and forget his destitution, And let him remember his misery no further."
8 Open your mouth for the mute, For the adjudication of all the sons of insecurity;"
9 Open your mouth; judge righteously; And adjudicate the humble and needy one.
10 A wife of ability, who can find? Far more than rubies is her worth."
11 Her spouse's heart understanding puts trust in her, So that he lacks no proceeds."
12 She requites him with good and not evil All the days of her life.
13 She seeks after wool and flax And works them according to the delight of her palms.
14 She is like the ships of a merchant; She brings her bread from afar.
15 She rises while it is still night And provides viands for her household And dole for her maidens.
16 She plans for a field and procures it; From the fruit of her palms she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds her waist with strength, And she makes her arms resolute."
18 She inspects to see that her merchandise is good; Her lamp is not quenched at night.
19 She puts forth her hands on the distaff, And her palms hold firm to the spindle."
20 She spreads out her palm to the humble And puts forth her hands to the needy.
21 She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed with double garments."
22 She makes decorative covers for herself; Her clothing is cambric and purple.
23 Her spouse is acknowledged in the gateways, When he sits with the elders of the land."
24 She makes shirts and sells them, And she produces girdles for the trafficker."
25 Strength and honor are her clothing, And she can make sport of the days hereafter."
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, And the law of benignity is on her tongue."
27 She watches over the affairs of her household And does not eat the bread of slothfulness.
28 Her sons arise and call her happy; Her spouse also praises her, saying:"
29 Many daughters do ably, Yet you ascend over them all."
30 Grace may be false and loveliness vain, But the woman fearful of Yahweh, she shall be praised."
31 Give honor to her for the fruit of her hands, And let them praise her in the gateways for her deeds."