Proverbs 31:631Q.T2014-10-22 08:12:51

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. noble character를 가진 여인을 얻는 것이 루비를 얻는 것보다 더 가치있는 일이다. 그만큼 고상한 성품의 여인을 얻기도 어렵지만 또한 귀하다는 뜻이겠지. 하지만 본문을 보면 이 여인은 헌신적인 성품이 없다면 어찌보면 참 피곤하고 힘들겠다. 그야말로 noble character를 가지고 있어야 이런 일들을 즐거운 마음으로 할 수 있을 것이다. 자신도 열심히 일하고 집안 일을 잘 돌볼뿐만 아니라 지혜롭고 미래를 잘 준비하는 여자다. 이런 여자를 얻었으니 루비보다 귀할 수 밖에...