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Proverbs
31
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1
The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him.
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Proverbs
31
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3
do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.
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Proverbs
31
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4
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
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Proverbs
31
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5
For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
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Proverbs
31
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6
Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.
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Proverbs
31
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7
Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.
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Proverbs
31
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8
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
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Proverbs
31
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9
Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.
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Proverbs
31
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10
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
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Proverbs
31
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11
Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
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Proverbs
31
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12
She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
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Proverbs
31
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14
She is like a merchant's ship, bringing her food from afar.
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Proverbs
31
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15
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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Proverbs
31
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16
She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
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Proverbs
31
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18
She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
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Proverbs
31
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19
Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
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Proverbs
31
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20
She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
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Proverbs
31
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21
She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
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Proverbs
31
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22
She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
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Proverbs
31
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23
Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
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Proverbs
31
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24
She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
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Proverbs
31
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25
She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
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Proverbs
31
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26
When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
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Proverbs
31
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27
She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
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Proverbs
31
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28
Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
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Proverbs
31
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29
"There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!"
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Proverbs
31
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30
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.
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Proverbs
31
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31
Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.