109 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
109 lines
2.5 KiB
Markdown
The Words of Lemuel
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# Chapter 31
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1. The words of King Lemuel,
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a pronouncement that his mother taught him:
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2. What should I say, my son?
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What, son of my womb?
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What, son of my vows?
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3. Don't spend your energy on women
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or your efforts on those who destroy kings.
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4. It is not for kings, Lemuel,
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it is not for kings to drink wine
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or for rulers to desire beer.
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5. Otherwise, he will drink,
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forget what is decreed,
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and pervert justice for all the oppressed.
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6. Give beer to one who is dying
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and wine to one whose life is bitter.
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7. Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
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and remember his trouble no more.
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8. Speak up for those who have no voice,
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for the justice of all who are dispossessed.
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9. Speak up, judge righteously,
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and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.
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In Praise of a Wife of Noble Character
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10. Who can find a wife of noble character?
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She is far more precious than jewels.
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11. The heart of her husband trusts in her,
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and he will not lack anything good.
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12. She rewards him with good, not evil,
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all the days of her life.
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13. She selects wool and flax
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and works with willing hands.
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14. She is like the merchant ships,
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bringing her food from far away.
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15. She rises while it is still night
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and provides food for her household
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and portions for her female servants.
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16. She evaluates a field and buys it;
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she plants a vineyard with her earnings.
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17. She draws on her strength
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and reveals that her arms are strong.
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18. She sees that her profits are good,
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and her lamp never goes out at night.
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19. She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
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and her hands hold the spindle.
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20. Her hands reach out to the poor,
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and she extends her hands to the needy.
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21. She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
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for all in her household are doubly clothed.
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22. She makes her own bed coverings;
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her clothing is fine linen and purple.
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23. Her husband is known at the city gates,
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where he sits among the elders of the land.
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24. She makes and sells linen garments;
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she delivers belts to the merchants.
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25. Strength and honor are her clothing,
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and she can laugh at the time to come.
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26. Her mouth speaks wisdom,
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and loving instruction is on her tongue.
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27. She watches over the activities of her household
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and is never idle.
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28. Her children rise up and call her blessed;
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her husband also praises her:
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29. "Many women have done noble deeds,
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but you surpass them all!"
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30. Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,
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but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
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31. Give her the reward of her labor,
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and let her works praise her at the city gates.
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