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Proverbs 31:15-28

Proverbs 31:10-31 The Message (MSG)

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! Adorn her life with praises!

Proverbs 31:15-28 Amplified Bible (AMP)

She rises also while it is still night And gives food to her household And assigns tasks to her maids. [Job 23:12] She considers a field before she buys or accepts it [expanding her business prudently]; With her profits she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. She equips herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] And makes her arms strong. She sees that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out, but it burns continually through the night [she is prepared for whatever lies ahead]. She stretches out her hands to the distaff, And her hands hold the spindle [as she spins wool into thread for clothing]. She opens and extends her hand to the poor, And she reaches out her filled hands to the needy. She does not fear the snow for her household, For all in her household are clothed in [expensive] scarlet [wool]. [Josh 2:18, 19; Heb 9:19-22] She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is linen, pure and fine, and purple [wool]. [Is 61:10; 1 Tim 2:9; Rev 3:5; 19:8, 14] Her husband is known in the [city’s] gates, When he sits among the elders of the land. [Prov 12:4] She makes [fine] linen garments and sells them; And supplies sashes to the merchants. Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; And she smiles at the future [knowing that she and her family are prepared]. She opens her mouth in [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue [giving counsel and instruction]. She looks well to how things go in her household, And does not eat the bread of idleness. [1 Tim 5:14; Titus 2:5] Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, prosperous, to be admired); Her husband also, and he praises her, saying