Common English Bible CEB
The Message Bible MSG
1 The words of King Lemuel of Massa, which his mother taught him:
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The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him:
2 No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my solemn promises!
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"Oh, son of mine, what can you be thinking of! Child whom I bore! The son I dedicated to God!
3 Don't give your strength to women, your ways to those who wipe out kings.
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Don't dissipate your virility on fortune-hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders.
4 It isn't for kings, Lemuel, it isn't for kings to drink wine, for rulers to crave strong drink.
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"Leaders can't afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer,
5 Otherwise, they will drink and forget the law, and violate the rights of the needy.
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Lest, hung over, they don't know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt.
6 Give strong drink to those who are perishing and wine to those whose hearts are bitter.
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Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache
7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and no longer remember their toil.
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Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death.
8 Speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable.
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"Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers.
9 Speak out in order to judge with righteousness and to defend the needy and the poor.
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Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"
10 A competent wife, how does one find her? Her value is far above pearls.
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A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
11 Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs.
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Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
12 She brings him good and not trouble all the days of her life.
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Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
13 She seeks out wool and flax; she works joyfully with her hands.
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She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
14 She is like a fleet of merchant ships, bringing food from a distance.
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She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
15 She gets up while it is still night, providing food for her household, even some for her female servants.
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She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
16 She surveys a field and acquires it; from her own resources, she plants a vineyard.
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She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
17 She works energetically; her arms are powerful.
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First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
18 She realizes that her trading is successful; she doesn't put out her lamp at night.
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She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
19 She puts her hands to the spindle; her palms grasp the whorl.
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She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
20 She reaches out to the needy; she stretches out her hands to the poor.
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She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
21 She doesn't fear for her household when it snows, because they are all dressed in warm clothes.
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She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
22 She makes bedspreads for herself; fine linen and purple are her clothing.
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She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
23 Her husband is known in the city gates when he sits with the elders of the land.
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Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
24 She makes garments and sells them; she supplies sashes to traders.
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She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future.
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Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
26 Her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue. she doesn't eat the food of laziness.
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When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
27 She is vigilant over the activities of her household;
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She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
28 Her children bless her; her husband praises her:
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Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
29 "Many women act competently, but you surpass them all!"
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"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
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Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
31 Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city gates.
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Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!