1The words of king Lemuel; the oracle which his mother taught him. 2"Oh, my son! 3Do not give your strength to women, 4It is not for kings, Lemuel; 5lest they drink, and forget the decree, 6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; 7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, 8Open your mouth for the mute, 9Open your mouth, judge righteously, 10Who can find a worthy woman? 11The heart of her husband trusts in her. 12She does him good, and not harm, 13She seeks wool and flax, 14She is like the merchant ships. 15She rises also while it is yet night, 16She considers a field, and buys it. 17She girds her waist with strength, 18She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. 19She lays her hands to the distaff, 20She opens her arms to the poor; 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household; 22She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. 23Her husband is respected in the gates, 24She makes linen garments and sells them, 25Strength and dignity are her clothing. 26She opens her mouth with wisdom. 27She looks well to the ways of her household, 28Her children rise up and call her blessed. 29"Many women do noble things, 30Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; 31Give her of the fruit of her hands!