HelpFinder Bible - Flipbook - Page 956
P RO VERBS 3 1
12
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13
She finds wool and flax
and busily spins it.
She is like a merchant’s ship,
bringing her food from afar.
She gets up before dawn to prepare
breakfast for her household
and plan the day’s work for her
servant girls.
14
15
16
She goes to inspect a field and buys it;
with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
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• Marriage
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PR OV E R B S 3 1 :1 0 -3 1
25
Although many ancient cultures were
disrespectful of women, the woman
portrayed here has become highly
regarded. She is not only a wife and
mother but also a businesswoman who
imports goods, manages a staff, and
trades in real estate. Notice too that
her husband affirms her talents and
character by praising her. How blessed
is a husband whose wife has so many
abilities and such noble character. And
how blessed is the wife whose husband
affirms her and who is supportive of her
personal development. Although sexual
intimacy is important in marriage, the
relationship relies heavily upon day-today affirmation. If you are married, think
of how you can praise and support your
partner today.
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27
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29
30
31
She is energetic and strong,
a hard worker.
She makes sure her dealings are profitable;
her lamp burns late into the night.
Her hands are busy spinning thread,
her fingers twisting fiber.
She extends a helping hand to the poor
and opens her arms to the needy.
She has no fear of winter for her household,
for everyone has warm* clothes.
She makes her own bedspreads.
She dresses in fine linen and purple
gowns.
Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
She makes belted linen garments
and sashes to sell to the merchants.
She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
She carefully watches everything in her
household
and suffers nothing from laziness.
Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable
women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Charm is deceptive, and beauty does
not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord
will be greatly praised.
Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
31:21 As in Greek and Latin versions; Hebrew reads scarlet.