Lockman - Bible questions and answers

		Prov 31:1 The words of King Lemuel, the oracle, which his mother taught him:
		Prov 31:2 ¶ What, O my son? And what, O son of my womb? And what [shall I advise you], O son of my vows?
		Prov 31:3 Do not give your [generative] strength to women [neither foreign wives in marriages of alliances, nor concubines], Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
		Prov 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, It is not for kings to drink wine, Or for rulers to desire strong drink, [Eccl 10:17; Hos 4:11]
		Prov 31:5 Otherwise they drink and forget the law and its decrees, And pervert the rights and justice of all the afflicted.
		Prov 31:6 Give strong drink [as medicine] to him who is ready to pass away, And wine to him whose life is bitter.
		Prov 31:7 Let him drink and forget his poverty And no longer remember his trouble.
		Prov 31:8 Open your mouth for the mute, For the rights of all who are unfortunate and defenseless; [1 Sam 19:4; Esth 4:16; Job 29:15, 16]
		Prov 31:9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, And administer justice for the afflicted and needy. [Lev 19:15; Deut 1:16; Job 29:12; Is 1:17; Jer 22:16]
		Prov 31:10 ¶ An excellent woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov 12:4; 18:22; 19:14]
		Prov 31:11 The heart of her husband trusts in her [with secure confidence], And he will have no lack of gain.
		Prov 31:12 She comforts, encourages, and does him only good and not evil All the days of her life.
		Prov 31:13 She looks for wool and flax And works with willing hands in delight.
		Prov 31:14 She is like the merchant ships [abounding with treasure]; She brings her [household's] food from far away.
		Prov 31:15 She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And assigns tasks to her maids. [Job 23:12]
		Prov 31:16 She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently]; With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard.
		Prov 31:17 She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] And makes her arms strong.
		Prov 31:18 She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead].
		Prov 31:19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing].
		Prov 31:20 She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy.
		Prov 31:21 She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool]. [Josh 2:18, 19; Heb 9:19-22]
		Prov 31:22 She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool]. [Is 61:10; 1 Tim 2:9; Rev 3:5; 19:8, 14]
		Prov 31:23 Her husband is known in the [city's] gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. [Prov 12:4]
		Prov 31:24 She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them; And supplies sashes to the merchants.
		Prov 31:25 Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared].
		Prov 31:26 She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction].
		Prov 31:27 She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. [1 Tim 5:14; Titus 2:5]
		Prov 31:28 Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); Her husband also, and he praises her, saying,
		Prov 31:29 "Many daughters have done nobly, and well [with the strength of character that is steadfast in goodness], But you excel them all."
		Prov 31:30 Charm and grace are deceptive, and [superficial] beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the LORD [reverently worshiping, obeying, serving, and trusting Him with awe-filled respect], she shall be praised.
		Prov 31:31 Give her of the product of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates [of the city]. [Phil 4:8]

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