Section 31:10–31
This poem describes a capable wife who has good character
In Hebrew, this section is arranged in the form of an acrostic poem. Each of its twenty-two verses begins with a different letter, following the normal order of the Hebrew alphabet. The poem praises the character and abilities of an ideal wife. After an introduction that describes her value (vv. 10–12), the poem describes her activities and achievements in various areas (vv. 13–27). It concludes with praise by her family (vv. 28–29) and all the people (vv. 30–31). The last two verses also serve as the poet’s final conclusion. They summarize what is truly important in an ideal wife.
Some other headings for this section are:
A good wife with many abilities
-or-
Description of a Worthy Woman (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
A truly good wife (Contemporary English Version)
31:10–12
This introductory paragraph describes the value of the ideal wife in two ways:
(a) She is a woman who is both capable and good. Such a woman is hard to find and is extremely valuable (v. 10).
(b) She benefits her husband in many ways (vv. 11–12).
31:10
10a A wife of noble character, who can find?
10b She is far more precious than rubies.
31:10a
A wife of noble character, who can find?: This is a rhetorical question. It means that it is very difficult to find A wife of noble character. It implies that few such women are available for a man to marry. Some ways to translate this question are:
• Use a slightly different rhetorical question. For example:
Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? (New Living Translation (2004))
• Use a rhetorical question and make the implied answer explicit. For example:
Is it easy to find a good wife with many abilities/skills? ⌊No, it is not.⌋
• Use a statement. For example:
It is hard to find a good wife (New Century Version)
-or-
⌊There are very few⌋ virtuous and capable women that ⌊a person⌋ can find to marry.
A wife of noble character: The Hebrew word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as noble character usually means “strength” or “power.” In this context, it indicates a wife who has a good, morally strong character and is also competent. Most versions use only one expression to describe her. For example:
a wife with a strong character (God’s Word)
-or-
A capable wife (New Revised Standard Version)
Some languages may have one expression that covers both meanings of the Hebrew word. If not, you may use more than one term. For example:
a clever wife with a good character
See how you translated A wife of noble character in 12:4.
31:10b
She is far more precious than rubies: In Hebrew, the word rubies may also refer to “red coral” (Revised English Bible) or “pearls” (New Jerusalem Bible). The meaning is uncertain. So some English versions use a more general term, such as “jewels” (English Standard Version). If you use a specific term such as “rubies” or “pearls,” be sure that these items are considered to be extremely valuable. See how you translated the same word in 20:15.
Some other ways to translate this line are:
She is far more precious than jewels. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
For her value is far more than rubies (NET Bible)
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