Book - Proverbs - Chapter = 31 --> NLT
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These are the sayings of King Lemuel, an oracle that his mother taught him.
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O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my promises,
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do not spend your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
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And it is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave liquor.
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For if they drink, they may forget their duties and be unable to give justice to those who are oppressed.
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Liquor is for the dying, and wine for those in deep depression.
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Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.
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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing.
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Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
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Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is worth more than precious rubies.
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Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
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She will not hinder him but help him all her life.
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She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
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She is like a merchant's ship; she brings her food from afar.
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She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day's work for her servant girls.
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She goes out to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
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She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
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She watches for bargains; her lights burn late into the night.
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Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
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She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
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She has no fear of winter for her household because all of them have warm clothes.
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She quilts her own bedspreads. She dresses like royalty in gowns of finest cloth.
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Her husband is well known, for he sits in the council meeting with the other civic leaders.
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She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
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She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs with no fear of the future.
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When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions.
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She carefully watches all that goes on in her household and does not have to bear the consequences of laziness.
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Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
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"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
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Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.