wisdom library
Proverbs 31 — NIV
The Worth of a Woman of Noble Character
Chapter 31 opens with King Lemuel’s mother’s counsel on righteous leadership, then closes with the celebrated portrait of a wife of noble character whose strength, wisdom, and reverence for the Lord are praised.
Proverbs 31:1“Sayings of King Lemuel 31 The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.”
Proverbs 31:2“2 Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!”
Proverbs 31:3“3 Do not spend your strength[a] on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.”
Proverbs 31:4“4 It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,”
Proverbs 31:5“5 lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.”
Proverbs 31:6“6 Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!”
Proverbs 31:7“7 Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.”
Proverbs 31:8“8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
Proverbs 31:9“9 Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
Proverbs 31:10“Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character 10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.”
Proverbs 31:11“11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.”
Proverbs 31:12“12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.”
Proverbs 31:13“13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.”
Proverbs 31:14“14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.”
Proverbs 31:15“15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.”
Proverbs 31:16“16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.”
Proverbs 31:17“17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.”
Proverbs 31:18“18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.”
Proverbs 31:19“19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.”
Proverbs 31:20“20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”
Proverbs 31:21“21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.”
Proverbs 31:22“22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.”
Proverbs 31:23“23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.”
Proverbs 31:24“24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.”
Proverbs 31:25“25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.”
Proverbs 31:26“26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.”
Proverbs 31:27“27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.”
Proverbs 31:28“28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:”
Proverbs 31:29“29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.””
Proverbs 31:30“30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Proverbs 31:31“31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”
Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®). Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.