Proverbs 31

10 Who can find a strong, capable wife? She’s worth more than jewels!*31:10. "Jewels": though often translated as "rubies," it seems that they were not known at this time. The red jewels were likely to be carnelian or red coral.

11 Her husband has complete confidence in her, and with her he’ll never be poor.

12 She brings him good, not evil, all her life.

13 She gets wool and flax, and with her eager hands turns them into clothes.

14 Like a merchant’s ship, she brings food from far away.

15 She gets up while it’s still dark to make breakfast for her family, and to plan what her servant girls need to do.

16 She looks at a field, and decides to buy it; from the money she’s earned she buys a vineyard.

17 She’s keen to get ready, and works hard with her strong arms.

18 She knows that the things she makes are valuable. She keeps busy—her lamp burns late into the night.

19 She spins the thread and weaves the cloth.*31:19. The Hebrew refers to the distaff and spindle used in spinning and weaving, but not much known in modern life.

20 She’s generous to the poor, and gives help to the needy.