"The woman of character, where is she to be found? She is more precious than any jewel.
Her husband has complete confidence in her; she will be of great benefit to him.
She brings him only good and not evil, all the days of her life.
She has obtained wool and flax, and works them with skillful hands.
She is like the merchant ships which bring provisions from afar.
She gets up while it is still dark, feeds her household and allots tasks to the servants.
If she sets her heart on a field, she buys it and plants a vineyard with her own hands.
She is full of energy and her arms show her strength.
She knows her work is successful and, at night, her light remains unextinguished.
She puts her hand to the distaff and her fingers hold the spindle.
She reaches out her hand to the helpless and gives to the poor.
When snow comes, she has no fears for her household, since they are all doubly clothed.
She makes her own quilts and her clothes are purple and fine linen.
Her husband is well-respected; he sits in council with the elders of the people.
She weaves linen cloth and sells it; she supplies the merchants with sashes.
She is strong and dignified and looks with confidence to the future.
She speaks wisely and her words are kind.
She keeps an eye on the conduct of her household and is never idle.
Her sons rise up and call her blessed, her husband sings her praises:
'Many women have done wonders but you surpass them all.'
Charm is deceptive and beauty useless; the woman who is wise is the one to praise.
May she enjoy the fruits of her labor and may all praise her for her works."
- Proverbs 31:10-31
(Mother's Day was established recently to celebrate the women who spend their lives in the hidden tasks of the home, and who, through their sacrifices and love, build the best of our world. This poem concluding the Book of Proverbs expresses a similar viewpoint.
It is not by chance that this poem concludes the Book of Proverbs. Wisdom in Israel was not intellectual reflection far removed from real life with slight interest in discovering reasons for living. Wisdom, first of all was knowing how to organize one's life, just as Solomon said. And, actually women often have a predominant role in all that makes for a happy home and allows persons who believe in life, to be formed and capable of serving the world.
The author lists the numerous activities of women: happiness on earth depends on very little: care is needed, and fidelity to tasks, also something not often insisted upon.
In Israel, men dominated. Women worked more than men. While the men would talk "at the gate" of their village, women looked after the house and the orchard and raised the children. This poem urges all husbands to praise their wives and be grateful to them.)
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