a letter of the Hebrew alphabet). Second, the passage is showing the different kinds of areas in which women distinguish themselves. The opening verse is a challenge to the prevailing view of women held in ancient times: “Her value is far beyond that of pearls.” No mere piece of property, a capable wife is more valuable than treasure. Only a very few in the ancient world would have enough wealth to trade in pearls. If women were to be deemed as more valuable than pearls, then they were to be thought