commentary in the zOhn

An accomplished woman, who can find?
- – Far beyond pearls is her value.
Her husband’s heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.
She repays his good, but never his harm, all the days of her life.
She seeks out wool and linen, and her hands work willingly.
She is like a merchant’s ships, from afar she brings her sustenance.
She arises while it is yet nighttime,
- – and gives food to her household and a ration to her maidens.
She envisions a field and buys it,
- – from the fruit of her handiwork she plants a vineyard.
With strength she girds her loins, and invigorates her arms.
She discerns that enterprise is good
- – so her lamp is not snuffed by night.
Her hands she stretches out to the distaff,
- – and her palms support the spindle.
She spreads out her palm to the poor,
- – and extends her hands to the destitute.
She fears not snow for her household,
- – for her entire household is clothed with scarlet wool.
Luxurious bedspreads she made herself,
- – linen and purple wool are her clothing.
Distinctive in the councils is her husband,
- – when he sits with the elders of the land.
She makes a cloak to sell, and delivers a belt to the peddler.
Strength and majesty are her raiment, she joyfully awaits the last day.
She opens her mouth with wisdom,
- – and a lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
She anticipates the ways of ther household,
- – and partakes not of the bread of laziness.
Her children areise and praise her, her husband, and he lauds her:
‘Many daughters have amassed achievement, but you surpassed them all.’
False is grace and vain is beauty,
- – a G/d-fearing woman – - she should be praised.
Give her the fruits of her hand
- – and let her be praised in the gates by her very own deeds.

(Proverbs 31:10-31) (Mishle 31:10-31) (משלי 31:10-31)