The Woman of Valour

A woman of valour, who can find? Far beyond pearls is her value. Her husband’s heart trusts in her and he shall lack no fortune

She repays his good, but never his harm, all the days of her life. She seeks out wool and linen, and her hands work willingly

She is like a merchant’s ship; from afar she brings her sustenance She rises while it is still nighttime, and gives food to her household and a ration to her maids

She considers a field and buys it; from the fruit of her handiwork, she plants a vineyard. She girds her loins with might and strengthens her arms

She senses that her enterprise is good, so her lamp is not extinguished at night. She puts her hand to the distaff, and her palms support the spindle

She spreads out her palm to the poor and extends her hands to the destitute. She fears not snow for her household, for her entire household is clothed with scarlet wool

Bedspreads she makes herself; linen and purple wool are her clothing. Well-known at the gates is her husband as he sits with the elders of the land
Garments she makes and sells, and she delivers a belt to the peddler. Strength and splendour are her clothing, and smilingly she awaits her last day

She opens her mouth with Wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She anticipates the needs of her household, and the bread of idleness, she does not eat

Her children rise and celebrate her; and her husband praises her: “Many daughters have attained valour, but you have surpassed them all.”

False is grace, and vain is beauty; a God-fearing woman, should be praised.

Give her the fruit of her hands, and she will be praised at the gates by her very own deeds.

Culled from Proverbs 31, The Holy Bible