Proverbs 31
1The words of king Lemuel; the revelation which his mother taught him. 1
2“Oh, my son! 2 Oh, son of my womb! 2 Oh, son of my vows! 1
3Don’t give your strength to women, 2 nor your ways to that which destroys kings. 1
4It is not for kings, Lemuel; 2 it is not for kings to drink wine; 2 nor for princes to say, ‘Where is strong drink?’ 1
5lest they drink, and forget the law, 2 and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted. 1
6Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish; 2 and wine to the bitter in soul: 1
7Let him drink, and forget his poverty, 2 and remember his misery no more. 1
8Open your mouth for the mute, 2 in the cause of all who are left desolate. 1
9Open your mouth, judge righteously, 2 and serve justice to the poor and needy.” Acrostic Psalm 1
10+ 31:10 Hebrew Tradition teaches, the Proverbs 31 Woman of Valor was originally written by Abraham about his wife Sarah (Midrash Tanhuma on Gen 23). א (Woman-virtous) Who can find a worthy woman? 2 For her price is far above rubies. 1
11בּ (Trusts) Her husband trusts in her from his heart, 2 and she will prove a great asset to him. 1
12גּ (Does) She does him good, and not harm, 2 all the days of her life. 1
13דּ (Seeks) She seeks wool and flax, 2 and works eagerly with her hands. 1
14ה (She) She is like the merchant ships. 2 She brings her bread from afar. 1
15ו (Rises) She rises also while it is yet night, 2 gives food to her household, 2 and chokim ·portions· for her servant girls. 1
16ז (Considers) She considers a field, and buys it. 2 With the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 1
17ח (Grids) She arms her waist with strength, 2 and makes her arms strong. 1
18ט (Perceives) She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. 2 Her lamp does not go out by night. 1
19י (Hands) She lays her hands to the distaff, 2 and her hands hold the spindle. 1
20כּ (Hands) She opens her arms to the poor; 2 yes, she extends her hands to the needy. 1
21ל (Not-afraid) She is not afraid of the snow for her household; 2 for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 1
22מ (Coverings) She makes for herself carpets of tapestry. 2 Her clothing is fine linen and purple. 1
23נ (Known) Her husband is respected in the gates, 2 when he sits among the elders of the land. 1
24ס (Linnen) She makes linen garments and sells them, 2 and delivers sashes to the merchant. 1
25ע (Strength) Strength and dignity are her clothing. 2 She laughs at the time to come. 1
26פּ (Mouth) She opens her mouth with wisdom. 2 Instructions of chesed ·loving-kindness· is on her tongue. 1
27צ (Looks) She looks well to the ways of her household, 2 and does not eat the bread of idleness. 1
28ק (Rise up) Her children rise up and call her blessed. 2 Her husband too, as he praises her: 1
29ר (Many) “Many women have done noble things, 2 but you excel them all.” 1
30שׁ (Deceitful) Chen ·Charm, Grace· is deceitful, and beauty is vain; 2 but a woman who fears Adonai , she shall be praised. 1
31תּ (Give) Give her of the fruit of her hands! 2 Let her works speak her praise at the city gates!