Good News Translation GNT
New International Version NIV
1 These are the solemn words which King Lemuel's mother said to him:
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The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
2 "You are my own dear son, the answer to my prayers. What shall I tell you?
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Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
3 Don't spend all your energy on sex and all your money on women; they have destroyed kings.
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Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
4 Listen, Lemuel. Kings should not drink wine or have a craving for alcohol.
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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 When they drink, they forget the laws and ignore the rights of people in need.
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lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
6 Alcohol is for people who are dying, for those who are in misery.
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Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and unhappiness.
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Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
8 "Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the rights of all who are helpless.
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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
9 Speak for them and be a righteous judge. Protect the rights of the poor and needy."
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Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
10 How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels!
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A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband puts his confidence in her, and he will never be poor.
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Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
12 As long as she lives, she does him good and never harm.
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She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
13 She keeps herself busy making wool and linen cloth.
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She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
14 She brings home food from out-of-the-way places, as merchant ships do.
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She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do.
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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 looks at land and buys it, and with money she has earned she plants a vineyard.
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She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is a hard worker, strong and industrious.
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She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night.
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She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth.
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In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She is generous to the poor and needy.
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She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
21 She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing.
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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 bedspreads and wears clothes of fine purple linen.
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She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens.
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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 clothes and belts, and sells them to merchants.
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She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future.
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She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with a gentle wisdom.
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She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She is always busy and looks after her family's needs.
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She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children show their appreciation, and her husband praises her.
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Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
29 He says, "Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all."
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“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honors the Lord should 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 credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.
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Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.
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.