Parallel Bible results for "proverbs 31"

Proverbs 31

New Living Translation NLT

1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.

2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,

3 do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.

5 For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.

6 Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.

7 Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.

9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.

11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.

14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.

20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.

24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:

29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

The Message Bible MSG

1 The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him:

2 "Oh, son of mine, what can you be thinking of! Child whom I bore! The son I dedicated to God!

3 Don't dissipate your virility on fortune-hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders.

4 "Leaders can't afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer,

5 Lest, hung over, they don't know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt.

6 Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache

7 Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death.

8 "Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers.

9 Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

10 A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds.

11 Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it.

12 Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long.

13 She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.

14 She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.

15 She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.

16 She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

17 First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

18 She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

19 She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.

20 She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.

21 She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

22 She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

23 Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.

24 She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

25 Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

26 When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.

27 She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.

28 Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:

29 "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"

30 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 everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!