| 31:1 | The words of King Lemuel, the strong advice his mother gave him: |
| 31:2 | "Oh, son of mine, what can you be thinking of! Child whom I bore! The son I dedicated to God! |
| 31:3 | Don't dissipate your virility on fortune-hunting women, promiscuous women who shipwreck leaders. |
| 31:4 | "Leaders can't afford to make fools of themselves, gulping wine and swilling beer, |
| 31:5 | Lest, hung over, they don't know right from wrong, and the people who depend on them are hurt. |
| 31:6 | Use wine and beer only as sedatives, to kill the pain and dull the ache |
| 31:7 | Of the terminally ill, for whom life is a living death. |
| 31:8 | "Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. |
| 31:9 | Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!" |
| 31:10 | A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. |
| 31:11 | Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. |
| 31:12 | Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. |
| 31:13 | She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing. |
| 31:14 | She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. |
| 31:15 | She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. |
| 31:16 | She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. |
| 31:17 | First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. |
| 31:18 | She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. |
| 31:19 | She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. |
| 31:20 | She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. |
| 31:21 | She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear. |
| 31:22 | She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. |
| 31:23 | Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. |
| 31:24 | She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. |
| 31:25 | Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile. |
| 31:26 | When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. |
| 31:27 | She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. |
| 31:28 | Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: |
| 31:29 | "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!" |
| 31:30 | Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD. |
| 31:31 | Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises! |
Proverbs 31 - The Message Bible
