The sayings of Lemuel
1The sayings of Lemuel, king of Massa, taught him by his mother.
2No, my son! Son of my womb, no!
No, my most beloved son! 3Do not waste your strength on women, or your life on those who destroy kings.
4It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to love strong drink. 5Lest in drinking they forget what they have decreed and override the cause of the helpless.
6Give strong drink to the one about to die and wine to the heart full of bitterness: 7so that he may drink and forget his misfortune and remember his pain no more. 8Speak on behalf of the dumb and defend the cause of all who are destitute.
9Open your mouth, pronounce just sentences, defend the needy and the poor.
The perfect wife
10 ① The woman of character, where is she to be found? She is more precious than any jewel. 11Her husband has complete confidence in her; she will be of great benefit to him.
12She brings him only good and not evil, all the days of her life.
13She has obtained wool and flax, and works them with skillful hands.
14She is like the merchant ships which bring provisions from afar.
15She gets up while it is still dark, feeds her household and allots tasks to the servants.
16If she sets her heart on a field, she buys it and plants a vineyard with her own hands.
17She is full of energy and her arms show her strength.
18She knows her work is successful and, at night, her light remains unextinguished.
19She puts her hand to the distaff and her fingers hold the spindle.
20She reaches out her hand to the helpless and gives to the poor.
21When snow comes, she has no fears for her household since they are all doubly clothed.
22She makes her own quilts and her clothes are purple and fine linen.
23Her husband is well-respected; he sits in council with the elders of the people.
24She weaves linen cloth and sells it; she supplies the merchants with sashes.
25She is strong and dignified and looks with confidence to the future.
26She speaks wisely and her words are kind.
27She keeps an eye on the conduct of her household and is never idle.
28Her sons rise up and call her blessed, her husband sings her praises:
29“Many women have done wonders but you surpass them all.”
30Charm is deceptive and beauty useless; the woman who is wise is the one to praise.
31May she enjoy the fruits of her labor and may all praise her for her works.
- Pro 31,10 Mother's Day was established recently to celebrate the women who spend their lives in the hidden tasks of the home, and who, through their sacrifices and love, build the best of our world. This poem concluding the book of Proverbs expresses a similar viewpoint. It is not by chance that this poem concludes the book of Provers. Wisdom in Israel was not intellectual reflection far removed from real life with slight interest in discovering reasons for living. Wisdom, first of all was knowing how to organize one's life, just as Solomon said. And, actually women often have a predominant role in all that makes for a happy home and allows persons who believe in life, to be formed and capable of serving the world. The author lists the numerous activities of women: happiness on earth depends on very little: care is needed, and fidelity to tasks, also something not often insisted upon. In Israel, men dominated. Women worked more than men. While the men would talk at the gate of their village, women looked after the house and the orchard and raised the children. This poem urges all husbands to praise their wives and be grateful to them.
