One evening as I was praying and apologizing to Jesus for what I thought was my failure to do enough for Him, I felt a prompting to go and get my Jewish Study Bible. I asked the Lord to let it open to whatever it was He wanted me to read. It opened to the conclusion of Proverbs 31, the description of the “Proverbs Woman”. At first, I thought He was going to confirm my feelings of inadequacy, but I could not have been more wrong! I shared the insight I received that evening with a group of women at Hope’s Garden and when I saw how it blessed them, I wanted to share it with you too.
Proverbs 31:10-31 from the Complete Jewish Bible
A Woman of Valor
א 10 Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far beyond that of pearls.ב 11 Her husband trusts her from his heart, and she will prove a great asset to him.ג 12 She works to bring him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
ד 13 She procures a supply of wool and flax and works with willing hands.ה 14 She is like those merchant vessels, bringing her food from far away.ו 15 It’s still dark when she rises to give food to her household and orders to the young women serving her.
ז 16 She considers a field, then buys it, and from her earnings she plants a vineyard.ח 17 She gathers her strength around her and throws herself into her work.ט 18 She sees that her business affairs go well; her lamp stays lit at night.
י 19 She puts her hands to the staff with the flax; her fingers hold the spinning rod.כ 20 She reaches out to embrace the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
ל 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; since all of them are doubly clothed.מ 22 She makes her own quilts; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
נ 23 Her husband is known at the city gates when he sits with the leaders of the land.ס 24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she supplies the merchants with sashes.
ע 25 Clothed with strength and dignity, she can laugh at the days to come.פ 26 When she opens her mouth, she speaks wisely; on her tongue is loving instruction.צ 27 She watches how things go in her house, not eating the bread of idleness.
ק 28 Her children arise; they make her happy; her husband too, as he praises her:ר 29 “Many women have done wonderful things, but you surpass them all!”
ש 30 Charm can lie, beauty can vanish, but a woman who fears Adonai should be praised.ת 31 Give her a share in what she produces; let her works speak her praises at the city gates.
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