10 A wife*31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. of noble character, who can find?

She is far more precious than rubies.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good and not harm

all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

15 She rises while it is still night

to provide food for her household

and portions for her maidservants.

16 She appraises a field and buys it;

from her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She girds herself*31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins with strength

and shows that her arms are strong.

18 She sees that her gain is good,

and her lamp is not extinguished at night.

19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor

and reaches out her hands to the needy.