Sayings of King Lemuel
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The sayings of King Lemuel - an oracle hos mother taught him;
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"O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
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do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who rein kings.
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"It is not for kings, O Lemuel - not for kings to drink wine,
not for rulers to crave beer.
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lest they drink and forget what the law decrees,
and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
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Give beer to those who are perishing, wine to those who are in anguish;
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let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
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"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
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Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
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a wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
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Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
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She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
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She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
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She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
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She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
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She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants vineyard.
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She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
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She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
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In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
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She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
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When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
fgor all of them are clothed in scarlet.
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She makes covering for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
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Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
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She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
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She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
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She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
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She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
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Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
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"Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
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Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
