Proverbs 31

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

¹⁰ A woman of strength who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.^(G)
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
¹² She does him good and not harm
    all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeks wool and flax
    and works with willing hands.^(H)
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
    she brings her food from far away.
¹⁵ She rises while it is still night
    and provides food for her household
    and tasks for her female servants.^(I)
16 She considers a field and buys it;
    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girds herself with strength
    and makes her arms strong.
¹⁸ She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
    Her lamp does not go out at night.
¹⁹ She puts her hands to the distaff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
²⁰ She opens her hand to the poor
    and reaches out her hands to the needy.^(J)
21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
    for all her household are clothed in crimson.^(K)
22 She makes herself coverings;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the city gates,
    taking his seat among the elders of the land.^(L)
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
    she supplies the merchant with sashes.
²⁵ Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.^(M)
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.^(N)
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.^(O)
28 Her children rise up and call her happy;
    her husband, too, and he praises her:
²⁹ “Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”^(P)
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.^(Q)
31 Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
    and let her works praise her in the city gates.