Proverbs 31

The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.

The heartfelt teachings of King Lemuel, wisdom passed down from his mother's tender guidance.

What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

My child, born of my body and my promises, what is it?

Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

Don't surrender your power to women, or let your actions lead to your downfall, as it has for many kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Dear Lemuel, kings should not indulge in wine, nor should princes lose themselves in strong drink.

Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

Avoid alcohol, for it may cloud your judgment, causing you to forget the rules and wrongly judge those who are suffering.

Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

Offer a stiff drink to those on the brink of despair, and wine to those burdened with sorrow.

Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.

Allow him to find solace in sips, to momentarily escape his destitution, and to no longer be haunted by his hardships.

Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

Speak up for those who cannot, defending those who are on the brink of disaster.

Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.

Speak up, make fair judgments, and stand up for those who are poor and in need.

Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

Who can discover a truly good-hearted woman? Her worth is beyond any precious gem.

The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

Her husband's heart finds true peace in her, knowing he lacks nothing.

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

She will always shower him with love and kindness, never causing harm, for as long as she lives.

She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

She joyfully searches for wool and flax, passionately crafting with her hands.

She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

She's like a trader's vessel, journeying great distances to provide nourishment.

She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

Even before dawn, she's up, preparing food for her family and ensuring her helpers are taken care of.

She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

She thoughtfully selects a plot of land, purchases it, and with her own hard work, she plants a thriving vineyard.

She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

She wraps herself in power, her arms strong and ready for anything.

She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

She knows her work is valuable and her dedication never wavers, even in the darkest hours.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

With passion, she embraces her work, her hands skillfully guiding the spindle and distaff.

She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

With a heart full of compassion, she extends her hand to those in poverty, generously offering help to those in need.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She holds no fear for winter's chill, for her family is warmly wrapped in vibrant red.

She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

She lovingly creates her own intricate tapestries for warmth; her attire is of luxurious silk and royal purple.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

Her husband's reputation is well-established and respected, especially when he's seated among the community's wise elders.

She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

She skillfully weaves fine linen, selling it with pride; she hands over beautifully crafted belts to the eager trader.

Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

She wears strength and honor like a garment; she looks forward to the future with joy.

She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

She speaks wisely, her words radiate kindness.

She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

She diligently cares for her family's needs and never indulges in laziness.

Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband too showers her with praises.

Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

Numerous women have acted nobly, yet you surpass them all in grace and virtue.

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

Charm can mislead and beauty might be shallow, but a woman who respects the Divine, she deserves true admiration.

Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Reward her for her efforts and let her achievements speak for her in public.