Welcome to the Daily Audio Proverb. Today is the 31st of the month. I'm Brian Hardin from Daily Audio Bible. It's an honor to be here with you today as we close out the month, reading the 31st chapter of the book of Proverbs from the new living translation.

The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message which his mother taught him.

Oh my son, oh son of my womb, oh son of my vows, do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.

It is not for kings, Olemuel, to guzzle wine.

Rulers should not crave alcohol, for if they drink they may forget the law and not give

justice to the oppressed. Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress. Let

them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more. Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Ensure justice for those being crushed.

Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless and see that they get justice.

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?

She is more precious than rubies.

Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

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

She finds wool and flax, and busily spends it. She is like a merchant's ship,

bringing her food from afar. She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household

and plan the day's work for her servant girls. She goes to inspect a field and buys it.

With her earnings, she plants a vineyard.

She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

She makes sure her dealings are profitable.

Her lamp burns late into the night.

Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers, twisting fiber.

She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

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