Proverbs 31 (The Message)
Hymn to a Good Wife
A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her
husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to
regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her
life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and
enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to
faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up
before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing
her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money
she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she
dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She
senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits
for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent
in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches
out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it
snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She
makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and
silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates
with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings
the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made
and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When
she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always
says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and
keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless
her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women
have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm
can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and
praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she
deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!