An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 3409 words)
20:031:001 he words of king Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught
him.
20:031:002 What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son
of my vows?
20:031:003 Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which
destroyeth kings.
20:031:004 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink
wine; nor for princes strong drink:
20:031:005 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment
of any of the afflicted.
20:031:006 Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine
unto those that be of heavy hearts.
20:031:007 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery
no more.
20:031:008 Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are
appointed to destruction.
20:031:009 Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the
poor and needy.
20:031:010 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above
rubies.
20:031:011 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he
shall have no need of spoil.
20:031:012 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
20:031:013 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her
hands.
20:031:014 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from
afar.
20:031:015 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her
household, and a portion to her maidens.
20:031:016 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her
hands she planteth a vineyard.
20:031:017 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her
arms.
20:031:018 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth
not out by night.
20:031:019 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the
distaff.
20:031:020 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth
forth her hands to the needy.
20:031:021 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her
household are clothed with scarlet.
20:031:022 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk
and purple.
20:031:023 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the
elders of the land.
20:031:024 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles
unto the merchant.
20:031:025 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in
time to come.
20:031:026 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the
law of kindness.
20:031:027 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not
the bread of idleness.
20:031:028 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also,
and he praiseth her.
20:031:029 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them
all.
20:031:030 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
20:031:031 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works
praise her in the gates.
*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION, BOOK 20: PROVERBS ***
Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will
be renamed.
Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright
law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works,
so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United
States without permission and without paying copyright
royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part
of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project
Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™
concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark,
and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following
the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use
of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for
copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very
easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation
of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project
Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away—you may
do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected
by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark
license, especially commercial redistribution.
START: FULL LICENSE
THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
To protect the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting the free
distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase “Project
Gutenberg”), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full
Project Gutenberg™ License available with this file or online at
www.gutenberg.org/license.
Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg™
electronic works
1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg™
electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all
the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or
destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in your
possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a
Project Gutenberg™ electronic work and you do not agree to be bound
by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person
or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
1.B. “Project Gutenberg” is a registered trademark. It may only be
used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few
things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See
paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project
Gutenberg™ electronic works if you follow the terms of this
agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg™
electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below.
1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation (“the
Foundation” or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection
of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works. Nearly all the individual
works in the collection are in the public domain in the United
States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the
United States and you are located in the United States, we do not
claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing,
displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as
all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope
that you will support the Project Gutenberg™ mission of promoting
free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg™
works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the
Project Gutenberg™ name associated with the work. You can easily
comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the
same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg™ License when
you share it without charge with others.
1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are
in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States,
check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this
agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing,
distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any
other Project Gutenberg™ work. The Foundation makes no
representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any
country other than the United States.
1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other
immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg™ License must appear
prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg™ work (any work
on which the phrase “Project Gutenberg” appears, or with which the
phrase “Project Gutenberg” is associated) is accessed, displayed,
performed, viewed, copied or distributed:
This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions
whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms
of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online
at www.gutenberg.org. If you
are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws
of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is
derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not
contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the
copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in
the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are
redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase “Project
Gutenberg” associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply
either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or
obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg™
trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg™ electronic work is posted
with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any
additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms
will be linked to the Project Gutenberg™ License for all works
posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the
beginning of this work.
1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg™
License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg™.
1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
Gutenberg™ License.
1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including
any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access
to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg™ work in a format
other than “Plain Vanilla ASCII” or other format used in the official
version posted on the official Project Gutenberg™ website
(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense
to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means
of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original “Plain
Vanilla ASCII” or other form. Any alternate format must include the
full Project Gutenberg™ License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg™ works
unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
access to or distributing Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
provided that:
• You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
the use of Project Gutenberg™ works calculated using the method
you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed
to the owner of the Project Gutenberg™ trademark, but he has
agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid
within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are
legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty
payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in
Section 4, “Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation.”
• You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg™
License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all
copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue
all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg™
works.
• You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of
any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of
receipt of the work.
• You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
distribution of Project Gutenberg™ works.
1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project
Gutenberg™ electronic work or group of works on different terms than
are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing
from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of
the Project Gutenberg™ trademark. Contact the Foundation as set
forth in Section 3 below.
1.F.
1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project
Gutenberg™ collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg™
electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may
contain “Defects,” such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate
or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other
intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or
other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or
cannot be read by your equipment.
1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the “Right
of Replacement or Refund” described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
Gutenberg™ trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
Gutenberg™ electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGE.
1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you
received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium
with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you
with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in
lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person
or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second
opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If
the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing
without further opportunities to fix the problem.
1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you ‘AS-IS’, WITH NO
OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of
damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement
violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the
agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or
limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or
unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the
remaining provisions.
1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
providing copies of Project Gutenberg™ electronic works in
accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the
production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg™
electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses,
including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of
the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this
or any Project Gutenberg™ work, (b) alteration, modification, or
additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg™ work, and (c) any
Defect you cause.
Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg™
Project Gutenberg™ is synonymous with the free distribution of
electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of
computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It
exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations
from people in all walks of life.
Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg™’s
goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg™ collection will
remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project
Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
and permanent future for Project Gutenberg™ and future
generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see
Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org.
Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit
501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
Revenue Service. The Foundation’s EIN or federal tax identification
number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by
U.S. federal laws and your state’s laws.
The Foundation’s business office is located at 809 North 1500 West,
Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up
to date contact information can be found at the Foundation’s website
and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
Literary Archive Foundation
Project Gutenberg™ depends upon and cannot survive without widespread
public support and donations to carry out its mission of
increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest
array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations
($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
status with the IRS.
The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations
where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND
DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular state
visit www.gutenberg.org/donate.
While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
approach us with offers to donate.
International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation
methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other
ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To
donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate.
Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg™ electronic works
Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project
Gutenberg™ concept of a library of electronic works that could be
freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and
distributed Project Gutenberg™ eBooks with only a loose network of
volunteer support.
Project Gutenberg™ eBooks are often created from several printed
editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in
the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not
necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper
edition.
Most people start at our website which has the main PG search
facility: www.gutenberg.org.
This website includes information about Project Gutenberg™,
including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
Let's Analyse the Pattern
True influence comes from demonstrating competence and character consistently over time, not from demanding respect based on position or appearance.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to distinguish between people who have real influence because they've proven themselves and those who just have titles or positions.
Practice This Today
This week, notice who people actually turn to for advice or help at work—it's often not the person with the highest official position, but the one who consistently delivers results and helps others.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction"
Context: She's teaching her son about the responsibilities that come with power
This is about using whatever influence you have to help people who can't help themselves. It's not about charity - it's about justice and speaking up when you see wrong being done.
In Today's Words:
Use your voice to stand up for people who can't stand up for themselves
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies"
Context: Beginning the famous description of the capable woman
This isn't saying women are rare gems to be collected. It's saying that someone who truly has their life together and builds something meaningful is incredibly valuable and hard to find.
In Today's Words:
A person who really has it all figured out is worth more than money
"She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household"
Context: Describing the virtuous woman's work ethic and care for her family
This shows someone who puts in extra effort to take care of the people depending on her. It's about dedication and responsibility, not being a servant.
In Today's Words:
She gets up early to make sure everyone is taken care of
"She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard"
Context: Showing the virtuous woman as a businesswoman and investor
This woman isn't just managing a household - she's making business decisions and investments. She's thinking strategically about the future and building wealth through her own work.
In Today's Words:
She spots a good deal on property and uses her own money to buy it and start a business
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
The virtuous woman transcends class limitations through entrepreneurship and smart investments, building wealth through work rather than inheritance
Development
Evolved from earlier warnings about poverty to show practical wealth-building strategies
In Your Life:
You might see this when someone from a working-class background builds success through consistent effort and smart choices
Identity
In This Chapter
Worth is defined by actions and character rather than appearance or others' opinions—revolutionary for its time
Development
Culminates the book's theme that true identity comes from wisdom and integrity, not external validation
In Your Life:
You might struggle with this when social media or workplace politics make you question your self-worth based on others' perceptions
Social Expectations
In This Chapter
The chapter subverts gender roles by presenting a woman as entrepreneur and business leader, not just caregiver
Development
Builds on earlier themes about wisdom transcending social categories
In Your Life:
You might face this when others try to limit what you can achieve based on their assumptions about your background or role
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Growth comes through taking responsibility, defending others, and building something meaningful rather than seeking pleasure
Development
Concludes the book's emphasis on wisdom as practical life-building rather than abstract knowledge
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you have to choose between immediate gratification and long-term building of skills or relationships
Human Relationships
In This Chapter
Healthy relationships are built on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and using your strengths to benefit others
Development
Synthesizes earlier teachings about friendship, marriage, and community into a model of interdependent strength
In Your Life:
You might see this pattern in relationships where both people contribute their unique strengths rather than one person doing everything
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What specific advice does the mother give her son about using power responsibly?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does the text emphasize that the virtuous woman's strength comes from her character rather than her appearance?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see examples of earned authority versus demanded authority in your workplace, family, or community?
application • medium - 4
If you were building influence in your current situation, what specific actions would you take based on this chapter's wisdom?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about the relationship between competence, consistency, and respect?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Influence Builders
Think of someone whose opinion you genuinely respect - at work, in your family, or community. List the specific actions they take that built your trust over time. Then identify three concrete ways you could build similar credibility in your own circle. Focus on behaviors you can start this week, not grand gestures.
Consider:
- •Look for patterns of consistency rather than single impressive moments
- •Notice how they handle situations when no one important is watching
- •Consider how they balance taking care of their own responsibilities while helping others
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you had to choose between demanding respect and earning it. What did you learn from that experience, and how would you handle a similar situation now?
