Proverbs 31

Easy-to-Read Version

^10 [a] How hard it is to find the perfect wife.^[b]
    She is worth far more than jewels.
¹¹ Her husband depends on her.
    He will never be poor.
¹² She does good for her husband all her life.
    She never causes him trouble.
¹³ She is always gathering wool and flax^[c]
    and enjoys making things with her hands.
¹⁴ She is like a ship from a faraway place.
    She brings home food from everywhere.
¹⁵ She wakes up early in the morning,
    cooks food for her family, and gives the servants their share.
¹⁶ She looks at land and buys it.
    She uses the money she has earned and plants a vineyard.
¹⁷ She works very hard.
    She is strong and able to do all her work.
¹⁸ She works late into the night
    to make sure her business earns a profit.
¹⁹ She makes her own thread
    and weaves her own cloth.
²⁰ She always gives to the poor
    and helps those who need it.
²¹ She does not worry about her family when it snows.
    She has given them all good, warm clothes.
²² She makes sheets and spreads for the beds,
    and she wears clothes of fine linen.
²³ Her husband is a respected member of the city council,
    where he meets with the other leaders.
²⁴ She makes clothes and belts
    and sells them to the merchants.
²⁵ She is a strong person,^[d] and people respect her.
    She looks to the future with confidence.
²⁶ She speaks with wisdom
    and teaches others to be loving and kind.
²⁷ She oversees the care of her house.
    She is never lazy.
²⁸ Her children say good things about her.
    Her husband brags about her and says,
²⁹ “There are many good women,
    but you are the best.”
³⁰ Grace and beauty can fool you,
    but a woman who respects the Lord should be praised.
³¹ Give her the reward she deserves.
    Praise her in public for what she has done.