Pro. 31:10-3110Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 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."