67 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
67 lines
2.4 KiB
Markdown
# 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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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. |