Proverbs

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.] ¹⁷She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm. ¹⁸She tastes and sees that her gain from work [with and for God] is good; her lamp goes not out, but it burns on continually through the night [of trouble, privation, or sorrow, warning away fear, doubt, and distrust]. ¹⁹She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. ²⁰She opens her hand to the poor, yes, she reaches out her filled hands to the needy [whether in body, mind, or spirit].