Proverbs 31:10–31

Ode to a Woman of Strength

¹⁰A woman of strength who can find?

She is far more precious than jewels.^*

¹¹The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

¹²She does him good and not harm

all the days of her life.

¹³She seeks wool and flax

and works with willing hands.^*

¹⁴She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from far away.

¹⁵She rises while it is still night

and provides food for her household

and tasks for her female servants.^*

¹⁶She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

¹⁷She girds herself with strength

and makes her arms strong.

¹⁸She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

¹⁹She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

²⁰She opens her hand to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.^*

²¹She is not afraid for her household when it snows,

for all her household are clothed in crimson.^*

²²She makes herself coverings;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

²³Her husband is known in the city gates,

taking his seat among the elders of the land.^*

²⁴She makes linen garments and sells them;

she supplies the merchant with sashes.

²⁵Strength and dignity are her clothing,

and she laughs at the time to come.^*

²⁶She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.^*

²⁷She looks well to the ways of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.^*

²⁸Her children rise up and call her happy;

her husband, too, and he praises her:

²⁹“Many women have done excellently,

but you surpass them all.”^*

³⁰Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.^*

³¹Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her in the city gates.