Читать книгу Best Loved Hymns and Readings - Martin Manser - Страница 45

This biblical passage, found at Proverbs 31:1-20, celebrates the virtues of the ideal wife. It is consequently often quoted at wedding celebrations.

The words of King Lemuel. An oracle that his mother taught him:

No, my son! No, son of my womb! No, son of my vows!

Do not give your strength to women, your ways to those who destroy kings.

It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine,

or for rulers to desire strong drink;

or else they will drink and forget what has been decreed, and

will pervert the rights of all the afflicted.

Give strong drink to one who is perishing, and wine to those in bitter distress;

let them drink and forget their poverty, and remember their

misery no more.

Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.

Speak out, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor

and needy.

A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no

lack of gain.

She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life.

She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands.

She is like the ships of the merchant, she brings her food

from far away.

She rises while it is still night and provides food for her

household and tasks for her servant-girls.

She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands

she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with strength, and makes her arms strong.

She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp

does not go out at night.

She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle.

She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands

to the needy.

(New Revised Standard Version)