1THE WORDS of Lemuel king of Massa, which his mother taught him:
2What, my son? What, son of my womb? What [shall I advise you], son of my vows {and} dedication to God?
3Give not your strength to [loose] women, nor your ways to those who {and} that which ruin {and} destroy kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink,
5Lest they drink and forget the law {and} what it decrees, and pervert the justice due any of the afflicted.
6Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, and wine to him in bitter distress of heart.
7Let him drink and forget his poverty and [seriously] remember his want {and} misery no more.
8Open your mouth for the dumb [those unable to speak for themselves], for the rights of all who are left desolate {and} defenseless;
9Open your mouth, judge righteously, and administer justice for the poor and needy.
10A capable, intelligent, {and} virtuous woman--who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels {and} her value is far above rubies {or} pearls.
11The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently {and} relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil.
12She comforts, encourages, {and} does him only good as long as there is life within her.
13She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it].
14She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country].
15She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks.
16She considers a [new] field before she buys {or} accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]
17She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong {and} firm.
18She tastes {and} sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust].
19She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].
21She fears not the snow for her family, for all her household are doubly clothed in scarlet.
22She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, {and} rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure {and} fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].
23Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24She makes fine linen garments {and} leads others to buy them; she delivers to the merchants girdles [or sashes that free one up for service].
25Strength and dignity are her clothing {and} her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future [the latter day or time to come, knowing that she and her family are in readiness for it]!
26She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].
27She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of {and} praises her, [saying],
29Many daughters have done virtuously, nobly, {and} well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], but you excel them all.
30Charm {and} grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain [because it is not lasting], but a woman who reverently {and} worshipfully fears the Lord, she shall be praised!
31Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]!
Bahan Renungan: SH - RH - ROC
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