The Living Word

KING JAMES VERSION

"The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever."

— Isaiah 40:8

Proverbs 31

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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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Previous Ecclesiastes

Chapter Study & Analysis

Overview

Proverbs 31 begins with the words of king Lemuel and concludes with the famous acrostic description of the Virtuous Woman (Eshet Chayil).

THEOLOGICAL CONTEXT

1. True Beauty: Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
2. Justice for the Weak: Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction.

Practical Lessons

PRACTICAL LESSONS

1. Diligence: She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
2. Leadership: Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

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