The Virtues of a Noble Woman
The noble woman is introduced as exceedingly valuable, utterly trustworthy, and consistently beneficial to her husband. She works willingly with raw materials, secures provision like merchant ships, rises early for her household, evaluates opportunities wisely, and clothes herself with strength for productive labor.
A10 wife of noble character, who can find? 11The heart of her husband trusts in her, 12She brings him good and not harm 13She selects wool and flax 14She is like the merchant ships, 15She rises while it is still night 16She appraises a field and buys it; 17She girds herself with strength
She sees the goodness of her gain, keeps working with diligence, and extends generosity to the poor while ensuring her household is prepared for hardship. Her care joins productivity, compassion, and practical foresight, and her household's ordered beauty reflects the steadiness of her wisdom.
18She sees that her gain is good, 19She stretches out her hands to the distaff 20She opens her arms to the poor 21When it snows, she has no fear for her household, 22She makes coverings for her bed;
Her husband's standing in the gates is strengthened by the order she helps sustain, and her own work extends into profitable trade. Strength and dignity mark her life, wisdom and kindness govern her speech, and vigilant oversight keeps her from eating the bread of idleness.
23Her husband is known at the city gates, 24She makes linen garments and sells them; 25Strength and honor are her clothing, 26She opens her mouth with wisdom, 27She watches over the affairs of her household
Her children and husband rise to bless and praise her, acknowledging that though many women have acted nobly, she surpasses them. The poem closes by declaring charm and beauty unreliable compared with the fear of the LORD, and by calling for her works to praise her publicly.
28Her children rise up and call her blessed; 29“Many daughters have done noble things, 30Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, 31Give her the fruit of her hands,