1: The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him:
2: "Oh, son of mine, what can you be thinking of! Child whom I bore! The son I dedicated to God!
3: Don't dissipate your virility on fortune-hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders.
4: "Leaders can't afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer,
5: Lest, hung over, they don't know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt.
6: Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache
7: Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death.
8: "Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers.
9: Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"
10: A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
11: Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
12: Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
13: She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
14: She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
15: She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
16: She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
17: First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
18: She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
19: She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
20: She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
21: She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
22: She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
23: Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
24: She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
25: Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
26: When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
27: She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
28: Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
29: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
30: Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD.
31: Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!