The wordsof kingLemuel, the prophecythathis mothertaughthim. What, my son? and what, the sonof my womb? and what, the sonof my vows? Givenotthy strengthunto women, nor thy waysto that which destroyethkings. It is notfor kings, O Lemuel, it is notfor kingsto drinkwine; norfor princesstrong drink: Lestthey drink, and forgetthe law, and pervertthe judgmentof anyof the afflicted. Givestrong drinkunto him that is ready to perish, and wineunto those that be of heavyhearts. Let him drink, and forgethis poverty, and rememberhis miserynomore. Openthy mouthfor the dumbinthe causeof allsuch as are appointedto destruction. Openthy mouth, judgerighteously, and plead the causeof the poorand needy. Whocan finda virtuouswoman? for her price is farabove rubies. The heartof her husbanddoth safely trustin her, so that he shall have noneedof spoil. She will dohim goodand notevilallthe daysof her life. She seekethwool, and flax, and workethwillinglywith her hands. She islike the merchants' ships; she bringethher foodfrom afar. She risethalso while it is yetnight, and givethmeatto her household, and a portionto her maidens. She consideretha field, and buyethit: with the fruitof her handsshe plantetha vineyard. She girdethher loinswith strength, and strengthenethher arms. She perceiveththather merchandise is good: her candlegoeth not outby night. She layethher handsto the spindle, and her handsholdthe distaff. She stretcheth outher handto the poor; yea, she reacheth forthher handsto the needy. She is notafraidof the snowfor her household: forallher household are clothedwith scarlet. She makethherself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silkand purple. Her husbandis knownin the gates, when he sittethamongthe eldersof the land. She makethfine linen, and selleth it ; and deliverethgirdlesunto the merchant. Strengthand honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoicein timeto come. She openethher mouthwith wisdom; and inher tongue is the lawof kindness. She looketh wellto the waysof her household, and eatethnotthe breadof idleness. Her childrenarise up, and call her blessed; her husband also , and he praisethher. Manydaughtershave donevirtuously, but thouexcellestthem all. Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareththe LORD, sheshall be praised. Giveher of the fruitof her hands; and let her own workspraiseher in the gates.