Proverbs 31  Christian Standard Bible Anglicised

31 The words of King Lemuel,
a pronouncement^[a](A) that his mother taught him:

¹⁰ Who can find a wife of noble character?^[f](N)
She is far more precious than jewels.^[g]
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will not lack anything good.
¹² She rewards him with good, not evil,
all the days of her life.
¹³ She selects wool and flax
and works with willing hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from far away.^(O)
15 She rises while it is still night^(P)
and provides food for her household
and portions^[h] for her female servants.^(Q)
16 She evaluates a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her earnings.^[i](R)
17 She draws on her strength^[j]
and reveals that her arms are strong.^(S)
18 She sees that her profits are good,
and her lamp never goes out at night.^(T)
19 She extends her hands to the spinning staff,
and her hands hold the spindle.^(U)
20 Her hands reach^[k] out to the poor,
and she extends her hands to the needy.^(V)
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
for all in her household are doubly clothed.^[l]
22 She makes her own bed coverings;^(W)
her clothing is fine linen^(X) and purple.^(Y)
23 Her husband is known at the city gates,
where he sits among the elders of the land.^(Z)
24 She makes and sells linen garments;
she delivers belts^[m] to the merchants.
²⁵ Strength^(AA) and honour are her clothing,^(AB)
and she can laugh at the time to come.^(AC)
26 Her mouth speaks wisdom,
and loving instruction^[n] is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the activities of her household^(AD)
and is never idle.^[o]
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also praises her:
²⁹ ‘Many women^[p] have done noble deeds,
but you surpass them all! ’^(AE)
30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,^(AF)
but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.
³¹ Give her the reward of her labour,^[q]
and let her works praise her at the city gates.