Bible Reading Plan

¹ The words of King Lemuel,
an oracle^[a](a) that his mother taught him:

² What should I say, my son?
What, son of my womb?^(b)
What, son of my vows?
³ Don't spend your energy^(c) on women
or your efforts on those who destroy kings.^(d)
4 It is not for kings, Lemuel,
it is not for kings^(e) to drink wine^(f)
or for rulers to desire beer.
⁵ Otherwise, they^[b] will drink,
forget what is decreed,^(g)
and pervert justice for all the oppressed.^[c](h)
6 Give beer to one who is dying
and wine to one whose life is bitter.^(i)
7 Let him drink so that he can forget his poverty
and remember his trouble no more.^(j)
8 Speak up^[d] for those who have no voice,^[e](k)
for the justice of all who are dispossessed.^[f]
9 Speak up,^[g] judge righteously,^(l)
and defend the cause of^[h] the oppressed and needy.^(m)

¹⁰ Who can find a capable wife?^[i](n)
She is far more precious than jewels.^[j]
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^[k] for her female servants.^(q)
16 She evaluates a field and buys it;
she plants a vineyard with her earnings.^[l](r)
17 She draws on her strength^[m]
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^[n] 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.^[o]
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^[p] to the merchants.
²⁵ Strength^(aa) and honor are her clothing,^(ab)
and she can laugh at the time to come.^(ac)
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom
and loving instruction^[q] is on her tongue.
²⁷ She watches over the activities of her household^(ad)
and is never idle.^[r]
28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed.
Her husband also praises her:
²⁹ "Many women^[s] are capable,
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 labor,^[t]
and let her works praise her at the city gates.