My Poetic Interpretation of Proverbs 31

 

Proverbs 31:10–31 as an English Poem

by Marcia Noel Hornok

 

10        Who attains a virtuous wife? Like jewels, her worth exceeds.

11        Her husband trusts her with his heart, for she will meet his needs.

12        Each day she seeks to do him good, and never does him ill.

13        Acquiring raw materials, she gladly works at will.

 

14        Like merchant ships, she goes great lengths providing what is good.

15        She rises with clear purposes to give her household food,

            Assigning maids their daily tasks, and making careful plans,

16        She takes a field and plants a vineyard, working with her hands.

 

17        With strength her loins are girded. She works her arms with might.

18        Wise shopping has provided what she needs both day and night.

19        Stretching forth her hands to work and spin the yarn with skill,

20        She stretches forth her hands again, some needy hands to fill.

 

21        In winter’s dread and dismal cold, her household’s not afraid,

            For she has clothed them warmly with the best materials made.

22        She makes her own bed coverings. With taste, her clothes are sewn.

23        Among the elders at the gates, her husband is well-known.

 

24        She makes fine linen cloth and belts, the merchants to supply.

25        With strong and noble character, she laughs as time goes by.

26        Her words are filled with wisdom; kindness rules her voice.

27        She oversees her household well, and ease is not her choice.

 

28        Her children rise and bless her. Her husband’s praises swell:

29        “Many gals are virtuous, but you alone excel.”

30        Charm deceives and beauty fades, but one who fears the LORD

31        Is praised for her accomplishments; fulfillment her reward.

 

               In Hebrew Scripture, this acrostic poem has 22 verses, one for each letter of the alphabet. Bible scholars understand this poetic feature as a way to cover a subject A to Z, while making it easy to memorize. Hebrew children, especially boys who were educated in the Scriptures, would learn and remember what to value in a future wife, and girls would desire to be God’s kind of woman.

My 110-page Bible Study: PROVERBS 31 VIRTUE NOT EXHAUSTION is available on Amazon.