A Virtuous Woman

(Proverbs 31)

A virtuous woman who can find?

She shall surely receive due praise,

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

She will do him good all her days.

She gladly works with her hands each day,

She provides her household with food;

She buyeth a field, a vineyard plants,

She perceiveth that all is good.

She girdeth her arms and loins with strength,

Gives to those who can ne’er repay,

Her candle burns brightly through the night

The others find light on their way.

She fears not snow for her house is clad,

And she not alone doth excell

With clothing of purple and of silk

Strength and honor adorn her as well.

With wisdom she speaks; her tong is kind,

She look well to her household’s ways;

Her children rise up to bless her name,

Her husband is full of her praise.

Deceitful is favor, beauty is vain,

But she who fears God as she serves

Shall be praised by her household and her works,

Receive the reward she deserves.

By Barbara C. Ryberg