An Excellent wife, who can find?

Her Value surpasses rare emeralds.

Entrusted with everything by the heart of her husband, one like her will not lack beautiful plunder.

Throughout her Life, her work helps her husband.

Yarn and wool became useful in her hands.

The Needs of life she brings in like a ship bearing spices from overseas.

Without fail day or night, she gave food to her household and employment to her workers.

Recognizing a property’s worth, she bought it, and from the fruit of her hands she planted a garden.

Energized by her strength, her arms were prepared for work.

The Night does not put out her flame, and she tasted the excellence of her labors.

Deeds of prosperity flow from her arms, support from her hands at the spindle.

To Anyone in need her hands are open, and she holds out fruit for the poor.

Her Entire household she clothes, and her husband travels without worry.

His Apparel she fashioned from linen and purple dye.

Thought well of is he when deliberating in the chambers with the parish elders.

Original linen aprons she made and sold to her neighbors.

Noble and reverent are her words, spoken with discretion.

Buoyant in the last days, she is clothed with strength and dignity.

Impeccable is the management of her household, for she does not partake of idleness.

The Commandments and wisdom come from her mouth, and her compassion lifted up her children and made them rich; her husband praised her.

Many Kimmers have earned wealth, and many daughters have worked with skill, but none can hold a candle to you.

Empty is beauty, and deceitful is attraction, for it is the lady of sense who will be commended; the fear of the Lord may she praise.

Leave her the fruit of her hands; may her husband be praised in the chambers.

 

Translated from Septuaginta: Revised Edition (compiled by Alfred Rahlfs and Robert Hanhart, Stuttgart, 2006), Prouerbia 31:10-31, by David R. Bickel