1 These are the sayings

that King Lemuel of Massa

was taught by his mother.

2 My son Lemuel, you were born

in answer to my prayers,

so listen carefully.

3 Don't waste your life

chasing after women!

This has ruined many kings.

4 Kings and leaders

should not get drunk

or even want to drink.

5 Drinking makes you forget

your responsibilities,

and you mistreat the poor.

6 Beer and wine are only

for the dying or for those

who have lost all hope.

7 Let them drink and forget

how poor and miserable

they feel.

8 But you must defend

those who are helpless

and have no hope.

9 Be fair and give justice

to the poor and homeless.

10 A truly good wife

is the most precious treasure

a man can find!

11 Her husband depends on her,

and she never

lets him down.

12 She is good to him

every day of her life,

13 and with her own hands

she gladly makes clothes.

14 She is like a sailing ship

that brings food

from across the sea.

15 She gets up before daylight

to prepare food for her family

and for her servants.*

16 She knows how to buy land

and how to plant a vineyard,

17 and she always works hard.

18 She knows when to buy or sell,

and she stays busy

until late at night.

19 She spins her own cloth,

20 and she helps the poor

and the needy.

21 Her family has warm clothing,

and so she doesn't worry

when it snows.

22 She does her own sewing,

and everything she wears

is beautiful.

23 Her husband is a well-known

and respected leader

in the city.

24 She makes clothes to sell

to the shop owners.

25 She is strong and graceful,*

as well as cheerful

about the future.

26 Her words are sensible,

and her advice

is thoughtful.

27 She takes good care

of her family

and is never lazy.

28 Her children praise her,

and with great pride

her husband says,

29 "There are many good women,

but you are the best!"

30 Charm can be deceiving,

and beauty fades away,

but a woman

who honors the Lord

deserves to be praised.

31 Show her respect—

praise her in public

for what she has done.