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Speak up, judge fairly,
and defend the oppressed and needy.

The Strong Wife[a]

10 Who can find a wife with strong character?[b]
Her value is greater than that of gems.
11 Her husband’s heart trusts her,
and he never lacks wealth.[c]

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:10 This closing poem of the book is an alphabetic acrostic, which means successive verses begin with successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This gives an impression of covering every aspect of the topic from A to Z.
  2. Proverbs 31:10 Literally a woman of strength. The Hebrew term for strength may refer to economic power, political power, military power, or strong character. Here the emphasis is on her economic contribution to the family, which is a reflection of her dedication to her family and her community.
  3. Proverbs 31:11 The Hebrew word translated wealth usually refers to loot or spoils of war, not to regular income. Perhaps it highlights her strenuous effort.

Speak up and judge fairly;
    defend the rights of the poor and needy.(A)

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 [a]A wife of noble character(B) who can find?(C)
    She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband(D) has full confidence in her
    and lacks nothing of value.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 31:10 Verses 10-31 are an acrostic poem, the verses of which begin with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet.