A mulher virtuosa
A mulher virtuosa de Provérbios 31 é um retrato de excelência. Seu valor excede o de rubis — ela é sábia, trabalhadora, generosa e teme ao Senhor acima de tudo.
Uma joia rara
Mulher virtuosa, quem a achará? Seu valor excede o de rubis. Ela é o coração da família e a força do lar.
Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones.
Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more valuable than precious stones. The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils. For she employs all her living for her husband’s good. Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands. She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her livelihood. And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and appointed tasks to her maidens. She views a farm, and buys it: and with the fruit of her hands she plants a possession. She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work. And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle goes not out all night. She reaches forth her arms to needful works, and applies her hands to the spindle. And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.
A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband; but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.
And now fear not, my daughter, whatever thou shalt say I will do to thee; for all the tribe of my people knows that thou art a virtuous woman.
Caráter acima da aparência
Enganosa é a graça e vã é a formosura, mas a mulher que teme ao Senhor será louvada. A verdadeira beleza é interior.
Charms are false, and woman’s beauty is vain: for it is a wise woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear of the Lord.
Wise women build houses: but a foolish one digs hers down with her hands.
Fathers divide house and substance to their children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord.