Proverbs 31: 10-31

Somewhere I read in some literature in my youth, "A virtuous wife is worth more than rubies and pearls." I thought that was nice - it is a take on Proverb 31:10. So I decided to look it up again, reveiw and refresh my memory and post it. Each line is identified by the line number and then followed by (characteristic/s) that I added.

Proverbs 31: 10-31


Character and Virtuousness:
10 Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. (rare and precious)
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her; So he will have no lack of gain. (trustworthy)
12 She does him good and not evil All the days of her life. (kindness)

Devotion of an Industrious Homemaker:
13 She seeks wool and flax, And willingly works with her hands. (works joyfully)
14 She is like the merchant ships, She brings her food from afar. (seeks far and wide for the best product)
15 She also rises while it is yet night, And provides food for her household, And a portion for her maidservants. (disciplined)
16 She considers a field and buys it; From her profits she plants a vineyard. (enterprising and thrifty)
17 She girds herself with strength, And strengthens her arms. (energized)
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good, And her lamp does not go out by night. (good steward)
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hand holds the spindle. (diligence)

Generosity and Compassion as a Neighbor/Citizen:
20 She extends her hand to the poor. She reaches out her hands to the needy. (good, kind, caring, compassionate, generous)


Devotion of an Industrious Homemaker:
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household is clothed with scarlet. (provident)
22 She makes tapestry for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. (creative and elegant)
23 Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. (influential)
24 She makes linen garments and sells them, And supplies sashes for the merchants. (industrious)


The Influence She has as a Teacher:
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. (poised and confident)
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom. And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (intelligent and wise)

Her Influence and Effectiveness as a Mother:
27 She watches over the ways of her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. (home executive)
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her saying: (praiseworthy)
29 "Many daughters have done well, But you excel them all." (outstanding, distinguished, acknowledged)

Her Excellent Character:
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. (God fearing)
31 Give her of the product of her hands, And let her own works praise her in the gates. (honored and acknowledged)