I read this today at another website and loved the modern translation of Proverbs 31. I thought I’d share it with you today.

An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. (31:10) An excellent, virtuous wife who walks in the ways of the Holy One is a rare gem of intrinsic worth and value. She is the treasure of her husband as found in Proverbs 12:4: “A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband.”

The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. (31:11) The virtuous woman is faithful and trustworthy and her husband has complete trust in her abilities to manage the affairs of her household. She submits to the leadership of her husband and is not contentious.

She does him good and not evil all the days of her life. (31:12) A virtuous woman is an asset to her husband and created by the Holy One to be a helpmate and supporter for her beloved. Proverbs 18:22: “He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from ADONAI.”

She looks for wool and flax and works with her hands in delight. (31:13) The virtuous woman is industrious and seeks suitable provisions for her household. In Ancient Israel, clothing was created with wool and flax and women sought these raw materials to create garments to clothe her family.

She is like merchant ships; She brings her food from afar. (31:14) The virtuous woman cares for her family by providing them with nourishing meals. She is a planner who brings her family a cargo of blessings.

She rises also while it is still night and gives food to her household and portions to her maidens. (31:15) The virtuous woman begins her day early to care for her household and provide for the needs of her family. She is also a mentor and support to other women.

She considers a field and buys it; from her earnings she plants a vineyard. (31:16) The virtuous woman invests wisely and makes the best use of her resources. She can make economic decisions for her household to benefit her family.

She girds herself with strength and makes her arms strong. (31:17) A virtuous woman is like a soldier girded with the sword for battle. The woman of valor girds herself with the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:17). She hides the Word within her heart and mind to fight off the temptations of the flesh and the world.

She senses that her gain is good; Her lamp does not go out at night. (31:18) The virtuous woman works until the evening to care for her family. She uses her time wisely to accomplish her tasks and responsibilities.

She stretches out her hands to the distaff, and her hands grasp the spindle. (31:19) The virtuous woman fulfills all of the traditional household roles performed by women, working hard to care for her family.

She extends her hand to the poor, and she stretches out her hands to the needy. (31:20) The virtuous woman provides not only for her household but has compassion and concern for those around her. She seeks ways in which to bless the lives of others who might be poor or needy.

She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. (31:21) The virtuous woman prepares for the times ahead. She is not caught unprepared for the changing of the seasons and has planned for provisions for her family.

She makes coverings for herself; Her clothing is fine linen and purple. (31:22) The virtuous woman is entitled to certain luxuries as she benefits from her hard work and diligent maintenance of her household. She dresses modestly and in a manner that brings honor to the Holy One.

Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. (31:23) The virtuous woman faithfully manages the household and frees her husband to exercise his leadership abilities in the community. She is a partner to her husband and encourages him, as he is responsible for leading the family.

She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies belts to the tradesmen. (31:24) The virtuous woman is a creative businesswoman and finds ways to increase the resources of her family.

Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. (31:25) The virtuous woman is sensitive to the needs of her household and is optimistic for the future for she has planned ahead for the unexpected and commits her trust in the Holy One.

She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (31:26) The term “teaching of kindness” is a combination of Torah and chesed which is sometimes translated as steadfast love. The virtuous woman actively trains her children in the religious instruction of faith.

She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. (31:27) The virtuous woman is a dedicated servant who seeks the best for her family. She is not idle or lazy but diligent to complete her tasks. She transforms her home into a center of ministry for her family and her guests.

Her children rise up and bless her; Her husband also, and he praises her, saying: (31:28) The virtuous woman finds reward in the love and praise of her children and her husband, and the knowledge that what she values is pleasing to the Lord. She is a faithful servant of the family and receives their love and praise for her sacrifice and diligence.

“Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.” (31:29) A virtuous woman is changed from glory to glory as she becomes conformed to the image of her Redeemer. She brings honor to her Creator and her family as she pursues righteousness and shalom.

Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears Yahweh, she shall be praised. (31:30) The virtuous woman is praised for her beauty of character which is deep and lasting. Her character is developed through her relationship with the Holy One as He molds her into a vessel of honor.

Give her the product of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. (31:31) A virtuous woman is known for her good deeds. The Holy One blesses the work of her hands and causes her to excel as she labors and serves according to His will.

This just really spoke to me today and I hope it encourages you, too!