Proverbs 31

The Virtues of a Noble Woman

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.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household,

for they are all clothed in scarlet.*31:21 Or doubly clothed

22 She makes coverings for her bed;

her clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is known at the city gates,

where he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them;

she delivers sashes to the merchants.

25 Strength and honor are her clothing,

and she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;

her husband praises her as well:

29 "Many daughters have done noble things,

but you surpass them all!"

30 Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the fruit of her hands,

and let her works praise her at the gates.