Proverbs

¹⁰A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman–who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. [Prov. 12:4; 18:22; 19:14.] ¹¹The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. ¹²She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her. ¹³She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands [to develop it]. ¹⁴She is like the merchant ships loaded with foodstuffs; she brings her household's food from a far [country]. ¹⁵She rises while it is yet night and gets [spiritual] food for her household and assigns her maids their tasks. [Job 23:12.] ¹⁶She considers a [new] field before she buys or accepts it [expanding prudently and not courting neglect of her present duties by assuming other duties]; with her savings [of time and strength] she plants fruitful vines in her vineyard. [S. of Sol. 8:12.]