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1 The words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him. |
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2 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows? |
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3 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings. |
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4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink: |
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5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. |
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6 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts. |
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7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more. |
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8 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. |
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9 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. |
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10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. |
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11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. |
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12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. |
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13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. |
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14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. |
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15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. |
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16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. |
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17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. |
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18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. |
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19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. |
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20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. |
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21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. |
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22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. |
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23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. |
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24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. |
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25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. |
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26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. |
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27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. |
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28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. |
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29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. |
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30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. |
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31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. |
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