New International Version NIV
The Message Bible MSG
1 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
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The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him:
2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
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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 Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin 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, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
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"Leaders can't afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer,
5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
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Lest, hung over, they don't know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt.
6 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
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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 remember their misery no more.
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Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death.
8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
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"Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers.
9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
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Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
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A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
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Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
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Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.
13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager 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, bringing her food from afar.
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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; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
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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; out of her earnings 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 sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
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First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out 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 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
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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 and 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 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in 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 coverings for her bed; she is clothed in 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 at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders 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 supplies the merchants with sashes.
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She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
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Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
26 She speaks with wisdom, and 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 watches over the affairs of her household and does not 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 arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he 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 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 is 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 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
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.
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.