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The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
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What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows?
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Do not give your strength to women, Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
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It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
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Lest they drink and forget the law, And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.
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Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart.
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Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.
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Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to die.
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Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.
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Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies.
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The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain.
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She does him good and not evil All the days of her life.
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She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands.
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She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar.
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She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants.
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She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard.
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She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms.
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She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night.
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She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle.
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She extends her hand to the poor, Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
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She is not afraid of snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
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She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
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Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.
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She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants.
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Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come.
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She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
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She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness.