|
[1] My words have been spoken by God—the oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.
[2] What wilt thou keep, my son, what? the words of God. My firstborn son, I speak to thee: what? son of my womb? what? son of my vows?
[3] Give not thy wealth to women, nor thy mind and living to remorse. Do all things with counsel: drink wine with counsel.
[4] Princes are prone to anger: let them then not drink wine:
[5] lest they drink, and forget wisdom, and be not able to judge the poor rightly.
[6] Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain:
[7] that they may forget their poverty, and may not remember their troubles any more.
[8] Open thy mouth with the word of God, and judge all fairly.
[9] Open thy mouth and judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and weak.
[10] Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones.
[11] The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils.
[12] For she employs all her living for her husband's good.
[13] Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands.
[14] She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her livelihood.
[15] And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and appointed tasks to her maidens.
[16] She views a farm, and buys it: and with the fruit of her hands she plants and a possession.
[17] She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work.
[18] And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night.
[19] She reaches forth her arms to needful works, and applies her hands to the spindle.
[20] And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.
[21] Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all her household are clothed.
[22] She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.
[23] And her husband becomes a distinguished person in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.
[24] She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.
[25] She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days.
[26] But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law.
[27] The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread of idleness.
[28] And her kindness to them sets up her children for them, and they grow rich, and her husband praises her.
[29] Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly; but thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed all.
[30] Charms are false, and woman's beauty is vain: for it is a wise woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear the Lord.
[31] Give her of the fruit of her lips; and let her husband be praised in the gates.
|