1
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The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him. |
2
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O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows, |
3
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do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings. |
4
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It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol. |
5
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For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed. |
6
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Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress. |
7
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Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. |
8
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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. |
9
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Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. |
10
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Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies. |
11
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Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life. |
12
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She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. |
13
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She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. |
14
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She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar. |
15
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She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls. |
16
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She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard. |
17
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She is energetic and strong, a hard worker. |
18
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She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night. |
19
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Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber. |
20
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She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy. |
21
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She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes. |
22
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She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns. |
23
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Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders. |
24
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She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants. |
25
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She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. |
26
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When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. |
27
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She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness. |
28
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Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: |
29
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"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!" |
30
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised. |
31
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Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise. |
Proverbs 31:7 English Language Bible Words basic statistical display
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