- Who shall find a virtuous woman? for such a one is more
valuable than precious stones.
- The heart of her husband trusts in her: such a one shall stand in
no need of fine spoils.
- For she employs all her living for her husband's good.
- Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her
hands.
- She is like a ship trading from a distance: so she procures her
livelihood.
- And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and
appointed tasks to her maidens.
- She views a farm, and buys it: and with the fruit of her hands she
plants a possession.
- She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work.
- And she finds by experience that working is good; and her candle
goes not out all night.
- She reaches forth her arms to needful works, and applies
her hands to the spindle.
- And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the
poor.
- Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries
anywhere abroad: for all [a] her household
are clothed.
- She makes for her husband [b] clothes
of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.
- And her husband becomes a distinguished person in the
gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.
- She makes fine linens, and sells girdles to the Chananites: she
opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.
- She puts on strength and honour; and rejoices in the last days.
- The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread
of idleness.
- But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law
- Aud her kindness to them sets up her children for them,
and they grow rich, and her husband praises her.
- Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly;
but thou hast exceeded, thou hast surpassed alL
- Charms are false, and woman's beauty is vain: for it is a wise
woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear of the Lord.
- Give her of the fruit of her lips; and let her husband be praised
in the gates.
[a] Gr. those with her.
[b] Comp. Heb. and A.V.
[English translation of the Septuagint by Sir Lancelot Charles Lee
Brenton (1807-1862) originally published by Samuel Bagster & Sons,
Ltd., London, 1851]