God’s Word
For Everyday Life

The words of King Lemuel—the revelation which his mother taught him:

“Oh, my son!

Don’t give your strength to women,

It is not for kings, Lemuel,

lest they drink, and forget the law,

Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish,

Let him drink, and forget his poverty,

Open your mouth for the mute,

Open your mouth, judge righteously,

Who can find a worthy woman?

The heart of her husband trusts in her.

She does him good, and not harm,

She seeks wool and flax,

She is like the merchant ships.

She rises also while it is yet night,

She considers a field, and buys it.

She arms her waist with strength,

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

She lays her hands to the distaff,

She opens her arms to the poor;

She is not afraid of the snow for her household,

She makes for herself carpets of tapestry.

Her husband is respected in the gates,

She makes linen garments and sells them,

Strength and dignity are her clothing.

She opens her mouth with wisdom.

She looks well to the ways of her household,

Her children rise up and call her blessed.

“Many women do noble things,

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain;

Give her of the fruit of her hands!