A Virtuous Woman

A rather loose-knit paraphrase of Proverbs 31:10-31

What is the price of a ruby—
the gem with a dark red hue?
Let those who know now tell us,
lest we miss its value true.

From Holy Writ we gather
that its price is very high;
it is named as décor in heaven—
fair city in the sky.

Of a gem by far exceeding,
we read, the ruby’s worth—
taken so oft for granted
by careless souls on earth.

It’s color goes far deeper
than any mineral stone;
its composition softer—
consists of flesh and bone.

This gem, the virtuous woman,
bears careful scrutiny;
observant eyes will notice,
while thoughtless ones pass by.

The world my call for standards
by carnal souls adored;
but the true praise-worthy woman
is she who fears the Lord!

Her husband safely trusts her;
she ever seeks his good;
her mouth speaks words of wisdom,
and restrains them when she should.

She notices, then hurries
that “stitch in time” to sew;
stores food and clothes in season,
for use in time of snow.

So little time for leisure,
and yet so neat and trim,
on her husband’s arm in public,
a source of pride to him.

She sleeps with one ear open—
hears whimpers of each child,
and rises in an instant
with soothing touch and mild.

Aware of the family budget,
makes purchases discreet,
though hurried, not too busy
neighbor or friend to greet.

She’s great at improvising,
when supplies are running low;
there’s dignity at her table,
and it isn’t just for show.

Respectful of the stranger
who knocks upon her door,
she moves with prompt compassion
to aid the weak and poor.

Her children call her blessed;
her husband lauds her, too;
an aura of true beauty
attends the whole day through.

Her skin may age and wrinkle,
her steps become more slow,
but her glory still increases,
and her face is yet aglow.

Psychiatrist and teacher,
physician and a nurse,
a cook and dietician,
accountant with a purse.

Chauffeur, gardener, baker,
mechanic (if she must);
custodian and barber,
a confidant with trust.

Lawyer and arbitrator,
an umpire, yet a saint,
a tailor and a seamstress,
there’s hardly a thing she ain’t!

“Give her of the fruit of her hands; 

and let her own works praise her in the gates.” 

v. 31