微读圣经

The Words of Lemuel

1The words of King Lemuel,

an oracle Or of Lemuel, king of Massa, or of King Lemuel, a burden Pr 30:1 that his mother taught him:

2What should I say, my son?

What, son of my womb? Is 49:15

What, son of my vows?

3Don’t spend your energy Pr 5:9 on women

or your efforts on those who destroy kings. Dt 17:17; 1Kg 11:1; Neh 13:26

4It is not for kings, Lemuel,

it is not for kings 1Kg 16:9; 20:16; Ec 10:17 to drink wine Pr 20:1

or for rulers to desire beer.

5Otherwise, they Lit he will drink,

forget what is decreed, Hs 4:11

and pervert justice for all the oppressed. Lit sons of affliction Ps 72:1-2; Is 28:7

6Give beer to one who is dying

and wine to one whose life is bitter. Jb 3:20

7Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty

and remember his trouble no more. Ps 104:15

8Speak up Lit Open your mouth for those who have no voice, Lit who are mute Jb 29:12-17

for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Lit all the sons of passing away

9Speak up, Lit Open your mouth judge righteously, Lv 19:15; Dt 1:16

and defend the cause of Lit and justice for the oppressed and needy. Is 1:17; Jr 22:16

In Praise of a Capable Wife

10Who can find a capable wife? Or a wife of quality, or a wife of noble character Ru 3:11; Pr 12:4; 18:22; 19:14

She is far more precious than jewels. Vv. 10-31 form an acrostic.

11The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will not lack anything good.

12She rewards him with good, not evil,

all the days of her life.

13She selects wool and flax

and works with willing hands.

14She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from far away. 1Kg 10:22

15She rises while it is still night Pr 20:13

and provides food for her household

and portions Or tasks for her female servants. Pr 27:27; Lk 12:42

16She evaluates a field and buys it;

she plants a vineyard with her earnings. Or vineyard by her own labors Mt 21:33

17She draws on her strength Lit She wraps strength around her like a belt

and reveals that her arms are strong. Pr 31:25

18She sees that her profits are good,

and her lamp never goes out at night. Mt 25:8

19She extends her hands to the spinning staff,

and her hands hold the spindle. Pr 31:13

20Her hands reach Lit Her hand reaches out to the poor,

and she extends her hands to the needy. Dt 15:11; Pr 22:9; 31:9; Rm 12:13; Eph 4:28

21She is not afraid for her household when it snows,

for all in her household are doubly clothed. LXX, Vg; MT reads are dressed in scarlet

22She makes her own bed coverings; Pr 7:16

her clothing is fine linen Gn 41:42; Rv 19:8,14 and purple. Jdg 8:26; Lk 16:19

23Her husband is known at the city gates,

where he sits among the elders of the land. Ru 4:1-2; Pr 24:7; 31:31

24She makes and sells linen garments;

she delivers belts Or sashes to the merchants.

25Strength Pr 31:17 and honor are her clothing, 1Tm 2:9-10

and she can laugh at the time to come. Pr 31:21

26She opens her mouth with wisdom

and loving instruction Or and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27She watches over the activities of her household Pr 31:15

and is never idle. Lit and does not eat the bread of idleness

28Her sons rise up and call her blessed.

Her husband also praises her:

29“Many women Lit daughters are capable,

but you surpass them all! ” Pr 12:4; 31:10; Sg 6:8-9

30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, 1Pt 3:3-4

but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.

31Give her the reward of her labor, Lit the fruit of her hands

and let her works praise her at the city gates.