The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character,
who can hardly ever find?
For she's worth far more than rubies
of a most rare and choicest kind.

Her husband lacks nothing and has
full confidence in his dear wife.
Not at any time does she bring
him harm all the days of his life.

She selects wool and flax and works
eagerly with her busy hands.
And is like a merchant ship that
brings sustenance from distant lands.

She provides food for her household,
rises up while it is still dark.
Considers a field and buys it
and from earnings plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work, arms strong
enough to perform her great tasks.
She sees her trade is productive,
And holds in her hands the distaff.

She spins for her dear family
linens: blue, purple and scarlet.
And her lamp ne'er goes out at night
as she works eagerly in silence.

She is clothed in fine linen as
she makes the cov'rings for her bed
And has become a crown of grace
That is about her husbands' head.

Her husband has her devotion,
gains respect at the city gate,
Where he's seated with the elders
in the homeland where he is praised.

His wife speaks with faithful wisdom,
Wise instruction is on her tongue.
Her children rise to call her blessed,
even the very little ones.

She watches over the affairs
that are within her own household.
And is called the faithful one and
is praised by her husband also,

"Many women do noble things
and you surely surpass them all
But a woman who fears the Lord
should be commended above all.

Give her the rightful reward that
she has earned at the city gate.
Come, let her works bring praise to her!
Come on, now, please do not be late!"