Proverbs 31

1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle which his mother taught him: 2 What, O my son? and what, O son of my womb? and what, O son of my vows?

Mothers can give their sons good advice about choosing a wife. Similarly, fathers can give their daughters good advice about choosing a husband. If you are wise, you will listen to your parent’s advice about choosing a spouse.

3 Do not give your strength to women, or your ways to that which destroys kings.

There are things that can destroy you, and one of those things is giving your heart to someone. If you love God will all your heart, then there is no heart left to give in love to anyone else. Guard your heart, and keep it for God alone. Don’t make the mistake that Solomon made – he gave his heart to women who turned him away from God.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to desire strong drink, 5 For they will drink and forget what is decreed, and pervert the rights of all the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, and wine to him whose life is bitter. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his trouble no more.

Also, don’t get addicted to anything. Anything that interferes with your thinking, and makes you dependent on it, can destroy you.

8 Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all the unfortunate. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the rights of the afflicted and needy.

The person in charge should defend the rights of those under his rule, especially those who cannot do so themselves.

10 An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels.

When you are looking for a wife, here are some things to think about…

First, know that a great wife is very valuable. If you find one, treat her well, and value her.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain.

It is great to find someone you can trust; someone who will not reveal your secrets to anyone else, someone who will not betray you to an enemy.

12 She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.

It is great to find someone who seeks your best, and doesn’t try to ruin what you do. Even when she is upset with you, she still works for your best interests.

13 She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. 14 She is like merchant ships; she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens.

She is able and willing to look after your home and is adept at housework of all kinds.

16 She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She understands finances and knows how to earn and spend wisely.

17 She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. 18 She senses that her gain is good; her lamp does not go out at night.

She looks after her own health and education. She keeps herself fit.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle.

She knows how to fix things at home, and use all the appliances properly.

20 She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy.

She helps others, and is gracious to others.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

She keeps track of what her household needs and makes sure that the home is stocked with whatever it needs.

22 She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.

She dresses well.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.

She chooses a wise man as a husband.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen.

She knows how to make money, and not just spend it.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.

She presents herself in a respectful way, and shows herself to be strong against any evil.

26 She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

She teaches her children and prepares them for life, and does it in a kind way.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.

She makes sure that her home is in good shape and she doesn’t spend too much time doing nothing or useless things.

28 Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: 29 “Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.”

She has obtained the respect of her children and her husband.

30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.

She may not be the best looker, and she may not be the smoothest talker or manipulator, but she knows what God wants, and does what He wants.

31 Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

If you have such a wife, reward her and praise her according to what she deserves.