10 * 31:10 Verses 10–31 are an acrostic poem, each verse beginning with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet *ch. 12:4;Ruth 3:11;[ch. 18:22; 19:14] An excellent wife who can find?

She is far more precious than *Job 28:18jewels.

11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he will have no lack of gain.

12 She does him good, and not harm,

all the days of her life.

13 She *[ver. 21, 22, 24]seeks wool and flax,

and works with willing hands.

14 She is like the ships of the merchant;

she brings her food from afar.

15 She *[ch. 20:13] rises while it is yet night

and *Luke 12:42;[Ps. 111:5]provides food for her household

and portions for her maidens.

16 She considers a field and buys it;

with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.

17 She *[ver. 25]dresses herself*31:17 Hebrew She girds her loins with strength

and makes her arms strong.

18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.

Her lamp does not go out at night.

19 She puts her hands to the distaff,

and her hands hold the spindle.

20 She *[Rom. 12:13;Eph. 4:28] opens her hand to *[ver. 9]the poor

and reaches out her hands to *[ver. 9]the needy.