Thematic Bible




Proverbs 31:1 (show verse)

The words of King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him:

Proverbs 31:2 (show verse)


What, O my son?
And what, O son of my womb?
And what [shall I advise you], O son of my vows?

Proverbs 31:3 (show verse)


Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, nor concubines],
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.

Proverbs 31:4 (show verse)


It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Or for rulers to desire strong drink,

Proverbs 31:5 (show verse)


Otherwise they drink and forget the law and its decrees,
And pervert the rights and justice of all the afflicted.

Proverbs 31:6 (show verse)


Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away,
And wine to him whose life is bitter.

Proverbs 31:7 (show verse)


Let him drink and forget his poverty
And no longer remember his trouble.

Proverbs 31:8 (show verse)


Open your mouth for the mute,
For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless;

Proverbs 31:9 (show verse)


Open your mouth, judge righteously,
And administer justice for the afflicted and needy.

Proverbs 31:10 (show verse)


An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her?
Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls.

Proverbs 31:11 (show verse)


The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence],
And he will have no lack of gain.

Proverbs 31:12 (show verse)


She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil
All the days of her life.

Proverbs 31:13 (show verse)


She looks for wool and flax
And works with willing hands in delight.

Proverbs 31:14 (show verse)


She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure];
She brings her [household’s] food from far away.

Proverbs 31:15 (show verse)


She rises also while it is still night
And gives food to her household
And assigns tasks to her maids.

Proverbs 31:16 (show verse)


She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently];
With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.

Proverbs 31:17 (show verse)


She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task]
And makes her arms strong.

Proverbs 31:18 (show verse)


She sees that her gain is good;
Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].

Proverbs 31:19 (show verse)


She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].

Proverbs 31:20 (show verse)


She opens and extends her hand to the poor,
And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.

Proverbs 31:21 (show verse)


She does not fear the snow for her household,
For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool].

Proverbs 31:22 (show verse)


She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry.
Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool].

Proverbs 31:23 (show verse)


Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.

Proverbs 31:24 (show verse)


She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them;
And supplies sashes to the merchants.

Proverbs 31:25 (show verse)


Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure;
And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].

Proverbs 31:26 (show verse)


She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom,
And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].

Proverbs 31:27 (show verse)


She looks well to how things go in her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.

Proverbs 31:28 (show verse)


Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired);
Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,

Proverbs 31:29 (show verse)


“Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness],
But you excel them all.”

Proverbs 31:30 (show verse)


Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain,
But a woman who fears the Lord [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.

Proverbs 31:31 (show verse)


Give her of the product of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city].