Holman Christian Standard Bible CSB
New International Version NIV
1 The words of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him:
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The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 What [should I say], my son? What, son of my womb? What, son of my vows?
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Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 Don't spend your energy on women or your efforts on those who destroy kings.
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Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine or for rulers [to desire] beer.
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It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
5 Otherwise, they will drink, forget what is decreed, and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
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lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Give beer to one who is dying, and wine to one whose life is bitter.
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Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.
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Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed.
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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.
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Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a capable wife? She is far more precious than jewels.
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A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.
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Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.
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She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands.
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She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.
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She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her servants.
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She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
16 She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
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She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.
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She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.
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She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.
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In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.
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She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed.
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When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.
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She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.
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Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.
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She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.
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She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.
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She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.
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She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:
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Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women are capable, but you surpass them all!"
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“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates.
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Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Holman Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2003, 2002, 2000, 1999 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.