“You Surpass Them All”
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks
nothing of value. She brings him good,
not harm, all the days of her life. She selects
wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like
the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up
while it is still night; she provides
food for her family and portions
for her female servants. She considers
a field and buys it; out of her
earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets
about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that
her trading is profitable, and her lamp
does not go out at night. In her hand
she holds the distaff and grasps
the spindle with her fingers. She opens her
arms to the poor and extends
her hands to the needy. When it
snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of
them are clothed in scarlet. She makes
coverings for her bed; she is
clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband
is respected at the city gate, where he
takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes
linen garments and sells them, and supplies
the merchants with sashes. She is
clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh
at the days to come. She speaks
with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her
tongue. She watches
over the affairs of her household and does not
eat the bread of idleness. Her children
arise and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praises her: “Many women
do noble things, but you
surpass them all.” Charm is
deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman
who fears the LORD is to be
praised. Honor her for all that her hands have
done, and let her works bring her praise at
the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31