1. The sayings of Lemuel, king of Massa, taught him by his mother.

2. No, my son! Son of my womb, no! No, my most beloved son!

3. Do not waste your strength on women, or your life on those who destroy kings.

4. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine or for rulers to love strong drink.

5. Lest in drinking they forget what they have decreed and override the cause of the helpless.

6. Give strong drink to the one about to die and wine to the heart full of bitterness:

7. so that he may drink and forget his misfortune and remember his pain no more.

8. Speak on behalf of the dumb and defend the cause of all who are destitute.

9. Open your mouth, pronounce just sentences, defend the needy and the poor.

10. The woman of character, where is she to be found? She is more precious than any jewel.

11. Her husband has complete confidence in her; she will be of great benefit to him.

12. She brings him only good and not evil, all the days of her life.

13. She has obtained wool and flax, and works them with skillful hands.

14. She is like the merchant ships which bring provisions from afar.

15. She gets up while it is still dark, feeds her household and allots tasks to the servants.

16. If she sets her heart on a field, she buys it and plants a vineyard with her own hands.

17. She is full of energy and her arms show her strength.

18. She knows her work is successful and, at night, her light remains unextinguished.

19. She puts her hand to the distaff and her fingers hold the spindle.

20. She reaches out her hand to the helpless and gives to the poor.

21. When snow comes, she has no fears for her household since they are all doubly clothed.

22. She makes her own quilts and her clothes are purple and fine linen.

23. Her husband is well-respected; he sits in council with the elders of the people.

24. She weaves linen cloth and sells it; she supplies the merchants with sashes.

25. She is strong and dignified and looks with confidence to the future.

26. She speaks wisely and her words are kind.

27. She keeps an eye on the conduct of her household and is never idle.

28. Her sons rise up and call her blessed, her husband sings her praises:

29. "Many women have done wonders but you surpass them all."

30. Charm is deceptive and beauty useless; the woman who is wise is the one to praise.

31. May she enjoy the fruits of her labor and may all praise her for her works.





“O passado não conta mais para o Senhor. O que conta é o presente e estar atento e pronto para reparar o que foi feito.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina