Hebrew Names Version HNV
The Message Bible MSG
1 The words of king Lemo'el; the oracle which his mother taught him.
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The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him:
2 "Oh, my son!" Oh, son of my womb! Oh, son of my vows!
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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, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
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Don't dissipate your virility on fortune-hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders.
4 It is not for kings, Lemo'el; it is not for kings to drink wine; Nor for princes to say, 'Where is strong drink?'
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"Leaders can't afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer,
5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, And pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.
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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 him who is ready to perish; And wine to the bitter in soul:
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Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
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Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death.
8 Open your mouth for the mute, In the cause of all who are left desolate.
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"Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And serve justice to the poor and needy."
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Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"
10 Who can find a worthy woman? For her price is far above rubies.
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A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her. He shall have no lack of gain.
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Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
12 She does him good, and not harm, All the days of her life.
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Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
13 She seeks wool and flax, And works eagerly 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 the merchant ships. She brings her bread from afar.
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She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
15 She rises also while it is yet night, Gives food to her household, And portions for her servant girls.
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She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
16 She considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands, 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 girds her loins with strength, And makes her arms strong.
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First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp doesn't go out by 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 lays her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle.
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She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
20 She opens her arms to the poor; Yes, she extends her hands to the needy.
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She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; For all her household are clothed with scarlet.
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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 for herself carpets of tapestry. Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
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She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
23 Her husband is respected in the gates, When he sits among the Zakenim of the land.
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Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And delivers sashes to the merchant.
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She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing. She laughs at the time to come.
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Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on her tongue.
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When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, And doesn't eat the bread of idleness.
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She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed. Her husband also praises her:
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Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
29 "Many women do noble things, But you excel them all."
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"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall 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 Give her of the fruit of her hands; Let her works praise her in the gates.
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Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
The Hebrew Names Version is in the public domain.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.