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Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
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Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
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She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
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She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
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She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
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She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
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She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
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She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
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She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
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In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
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She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
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When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
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She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
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Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
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She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
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She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
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She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
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She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
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Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
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“Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
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Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
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Give her the reward she has earned,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.