ShavatSHAVAT
The words of King Lemuel
LeadershipDiscipline1The sayings of King Lemuel—an inspired utterance his mother taught him.
Family2Listen, my son! Listen, son of my womb! Listen, my son, the answer to my prayers!
LeadershipDesire3Do not spend your strength on women, your vigor on those who ruin kings.
LeadershipDesire4It is not for kings, Lemuel— it is not for kings to drink wine, not for rulers to crave beer,
LeadershipJustice5lest they drink and forget what has been decreed, and deprive all the oppressed of their rights.
Desire6Let beer be for those who are perishing, wine for those who are in anguish!
Desire7Let them drink and forget their poverty and remember their misery no more.
JusticeLeadership8Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.
Justice9Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
An excellent wife who can find
Family10A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Family11Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
Family12She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
Work13She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
Work14She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
WorkFamily15She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.
WorkWealth16She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
Work17She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
Work18She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
Work19In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
Wealth20She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
Strength and dignity are her clothing
Family21When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
Family22She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
FamilyLeadership23Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
WorkWealth24She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
Wisdom25She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
SpeechWisdom26She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
WorkFamily27She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain
Family28Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
Family29“Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”
Fear of LordFamily30Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
Work31Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
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