Proverbs 31

A wife of noble character

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
I am morally upright, competent and able to do things well.

11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
I am a helper to my husband, and I complement him.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
My purpose is always to make him a better person.

13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it. She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
I am resourceful, hardworking and know how to source for raw materials.

15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.
I am an early riser, a good planner and organiser, so that tasks may be accomplished efficiently.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
I am entrepreneurial, business-savvy, and know how the commercial world works. I use my profit to invest in other things.

17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
I exercise and keep myself physically fit.

18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.
I am financially-savvy, know how to cut costs, budget and handle my money properly.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
I am hardworking and never idle.

20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
I am charitable and have a good heart. I am able to love strangers, not just my friends and family.

21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.
I am able to plan ahead, have good foresight and be prepared for any hardships that may befall myself or my family.

22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
God gave me a brain and a pair of hands, so I’m able to make things, not just buy them. I understand the importance of grooming and have a good sense of fashion.

23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
My husband is a reputable and well-respected man.

24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.
I know how to market and profit from my creations.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
I am resilient, have self-respect, inner strength and I do not worry about tomorrow.

26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
The words I speak have the ability to change my life, therefore I choose only to speak words that are positive and encouraging to myself and to all who hear me. I speak only when necessary, and I can boldly instruct others but always with love and grace.

27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.
I am alert to others’ needs and know my surroundings.

28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her: “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass the all!”
My husband chooses me, and to him, I am the best wife in the world.

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Someday I will grow old, be wrinkly and die, but if I stay loyal to God’s instructions for my life, I’ll have nothing to fear.

31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
My work is not wasted, my actions speak for my reputation.