Know
well the condition of your flocks, and give attention to your herds, for
riches do not last forever; and does a crown endure to all generations?
When the grass is gone and the new growth appears and the vegetation of the
mountains is gathered, the lambs will provide your clothing, and the goats
the price of a field. There will be enough goats' milk for your food, for
the food of your household and maintenance for your girls.
(Pro 27:23-27)
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The
heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She
does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and
flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides
food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field
and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses
herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her
merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her
hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to
the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow
for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes
bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her
husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She
makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.
She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her
tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the
bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband
also, and he praises her: "Many women have done excellently, but you surpass
them all." Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the
LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works
praise her in the gates.
(Pro 31:10-31)