The Option to Choose

¹⁰ A competent wife, how does one find her? Her value is far above pearls. ¹¹ Her husband entrusts his heart to her, and with her he will have all he needs. ¹² She brings him good and not trouble all the days of her life. ¹³ She seeks out wool and flax; she works joyfully with her hands. ¹⁴ She is like a fleet of merchant ships, bringing food from a distance. ¹⁵ She gets up while it is still night, providing food for her household, even some for her female servants. ¹⁶ She surveys a field and acquires it; from her own resources, she plants a vineyard. ¹⁷ She works energetically; her arms are powerful. ¹⁸ She realizes that her trading is successful; she doesn’t put out her lamp at night. ¹⁹ She puts her hands to the spindle; her palms grasp the whorl. ²⁰ She reaches out to the needy; she stretches out her hands to the poor. ²¹ She doesn’t fear for her household when it snows, because they are all dressed in warm clothes. ²² She makes bedspreads for herself; fine linen and purple are her clothing. ²³ Her husband is known in the city gates when he sits with the elders of the land. ²⁴ She makes garments and sells them; she supplies sashes to traders. ²⁵ Strength and honor are her clothing; she is confident about the future. ²⁶ Her mouth is full of wisdom; kindly teaching is on her tongue. ²⁷ She is vigilant over the activities of her household; she doesn’t eat the food of laziness. ²⁸ Her children bless her; her husband praises her: ²⁹ “Many women act competently, but you surpass them all!” ³⁰ Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. ³¹ Let her share in the results of her work; let her deeds praise her in the city gates.