Whoever finds a valorous wife—

far greater than that of pearls is her value.

The heart of her husband trusts in her,

and he lacks no gain.⁴

footnotes: ⁴ The literal meaning of שָׁלָל is “booty” which implies an unexpected gain to which one had no prior claim. Thus in our verse, although her husband had complete trust in her, her deeds actually surpassed his expectations.— S.R. Hirsch

She repays him good and not evil

all the days of her life.⁵

footnotes: ⁵ A person can do much good to another and still cause him moments of pain or shame by his conduct. The true woman of valor, to whom this hymn is dedicated, gives her husband nothing but happiness, never a moment of grief all the days of her life.—S.R. Hirsch

She seeks wool and linen,

and works them willingly with her hands.

She is like the merchant ships;

from afar, she brings her food.⁶

footnotes: ⁶ These verses are a tribute to the woman of valor who is willing to do far more than she is required to do. Although her husband is obligated to support her, she does not hesitate to do everything in order to provide for her family.—Metsudas Dovid

She rises while it is still night

and gives food to her household,

and tasks to her maids.

She considers a field and buys it;

from the fruit of her hand,

she plants a vineyard.

She girds herself with might

and strengthens her arms.⁷

footnotes: ⁷ She is not strong by nature; she “makes herself” strong. Her zeal and sense of duty give her strength and might.—S.R. Hirsch

She senses that her business is good,

[so] her lamp is not extinguished at night.

She puts her hand to the spindle,

and her palms support the distaff.⁸

footnotes: ⁸ This verse is connected with what follows. No time is wasted in idleness. Her other work being finished, she spends her leisure in spinning and making garments for the poor and for the members of her household.

Her palm she spreads out to the poor

and her hands she extends to the needy.⁹

footnotes: ⁹ An אֶביוֹן , a needy person, is in more desperate need than an עָנִי , a poor person. The woman of valor recognizes that. To the poor man, therefore, she opens her palms, permitting him to take what he wishes. But regarding the needy man, she takes the initiative by extending her hands to provide his needs.— Metsudas Dovid

She has no fear for her household

because of snow,

for her entire household

is clothed with scarlet [wool].

Bedspreads, she makes herself

fine linen and purple [wool]

are her clothing.¹⁰

footnotes: ¹⁰ She was attired in the costliest garments, as befits a distinguished woman.

Well-known at the gates¹¹ is her husband

footnotes: ¹¹ Oriental cities had deep gateways shaded from the sun. There the elders sat as a court to adjudicate disputes and discuss important communal affairs.

as he sits among the elders of the land.

Garments she makes and sells them,

and belts,¹² she provides for the merchants.

footnotes: ¹² Like סָדִין a linen garment, חֲגוֹר , girdle, the noun is the collective singular. Sashes or belts were commonly worn around the waist.

Strength and splendor are her clothing,¹³

footnotes: ¹³ These characteristics are borne by her as one wears clothes. See Psalms 104:1, “With beauty and splendor are You clothed.”

and smilingly [she awaits her] last day.¹⁴

footnotes: ¹⁴ God shows the righteous, just before their death, the share they have earned in the World to Come. Thus the woman of valor will be joyous on her last day, because then she will know the fullness of the reward she has earned through her virtuous conduct.—Exodus Rabbah 52:3

Her mouth she opens with wisdom,

and the teaching of kindness¹⁵

footnotes: ¹⁵ She teaches others to do kind deeds.—Metsudas Dovid

is on her tongue.

She anticipates the ways of her household,

and the bread of idleness, she does not eat.

Her children rise16 and make her fortunate;¹⁷

footnotes: ¹⁷ She will feel fortunate and happy with the evidence of their appreciation and love. There is no more eloquent testimony to her virtue.

her husband—and he praises her:

Many daughters have attained valor

but you surpassed them all.

Favor is deceptive and beauty is vain;

a God-fearing woman—

—she should be praised.

Give her the fruit of her hand,

and let her deeds praise her in the gates.¹⁸

footnotes: ¹⁸ Although her activities are confined to the home, due recognition will be given her even outside her immediate family. She will be eternally praised as a valiant example for the entire community.—S.R. Hirsch