Pro. 31:10-31
(Mr. Darby's translation of this portion is very helpful. See in loco.)
"Who can find a woman of worth? for her price is far above rubies.
"The heart of her husband confideth in her, and he shall have no lack of spoil. [He doe-; not lack profit or gain.]
"She doeth him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.
"She seeketh wool and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
"She is like the merchants' ships: she bringeth her food from afar. [Food is something to eat; it is her living; that is, she is willing to get about to secure the suitable food and clothing.]
"And she riseth while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and the day's work to her maidens. [She is not lazy.]
"She considereth a field, and acquireth it [good business judgment]; of the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. [She provides for the future.]
"She girdeth her loins with strength, and maketh strong her arms. [In activity there is health.]
"She perceiveth that her earning is good; her lamp goeth not out by night. [She helps with the making of the living.]
"She putteth her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. [Taking care of her household.]
"She stretcheth out her hand to the afflicted, and she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. [A generous and thoughtful heart.]
"She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
"She maketh herself coverlets; her clothing is byssus and purple. [Byssus, fine linen.]
"Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. [Her diligence and faithfulness result in the promotion of her husband to positions of honor.]
"She maketh body linen and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. [Helps thus with the family income.]
"Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laugheth [at] the coming day. [She has confidence as to the future.]
"She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and upon her tongue is the law of kindness.
"She surveyeth the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
"Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband [also], and he praiseth her!
"Many daughters have done worthily, but thou excellest them all. [The words of her husband praising her.]
"Gracefulness is deceitful and beauty is vain; a woman [that] feareth Jehovah, she shall be praised.
"Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates."