English / ERV
Proverbs 31
Easy-to-Read Version, 2006
- 1These are the wise sayings that King Lemuel’s mother taught him:
- 2I prayed for a son, and you are the son I gave birth to.
- 3Don’t waste your strength on women. Women destroy kings, so don’t waste yourself on them.
- 4Lemuel, it is not wise for kings to drink wine. It is not wise for rulers to want beer.
- 5They may drink too much and forget what the law says. Then they might take away the rights of the poor.
- 6Give beer to people without hope. Give wine to those who are in trouble.
- 7Let them drink to forget their troubles. Let them forget they are poor.
- 8Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves. Help people who are in trouble.
- 9Stand up for what you know is right, and judge all people fairly. Protect the rights of the poor and those who need help.
- 10[1] How hard it is to find the perfect wife.[2] She is worth far more than jewels.
- 11Her husband depends on her. He will never be poor.
- 12She does good for her husband all her life. She never causes him trouble.
- 13She is always gathering wool and flax[3] and enjoys making things with her hands.
- 14She is like a ship from a faraway place. She brings home food from everywhere.
- 15She wakes up early in the morning, cooks food for her family, and gives the servants their share.