| Chapter 31 |
1 | The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him.
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2 | What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?
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3 | Give not thy strength to women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.
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4 | It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:
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5 | Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
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6 | Give strong drink to him that is ready to perish, and wine to those that are of heavy hearts.
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7 | Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
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8 | Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.
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9 | Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
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10 | Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
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11 | The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
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12 | She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
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13 | She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
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14 | She is like the merchant's ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
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15 | She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth food to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
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16 | She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
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17 | She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
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18 | She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
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19 | She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
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20 | She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yes, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
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21 | She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
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22 | She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
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23 | Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
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24 | She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles to the merchant.
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25 | Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
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26 | She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and on her tongue is the law of kindness.
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27 | She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
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28 | Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
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29 | Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
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30 | Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
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31 | Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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