This description of a virtuous woman, found in Proverbs chapter 31 and written nearly 3,000 years ago, bears some remarkable resemblances to many women today. The author was advising men on what to look for in a wife, so his praises are in that context, but the obvious implication is that these qualities are also to be found in single women. Some of the specific activities that he mentions have disappeared with the times—spinning thread and weaving by hand (verses 13 and 19), for example—and today many women spend more time in the workplace than the home, but this passage bears tribute to women’s timeless wisdom, intelligence, diligence, foresight, energy, industry, tenacity, compassion, and self-sacrificial love. Now, as then, she is the consummate multitasker. Some things never change.

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

11. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

15. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.

16. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

18. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

21. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29. “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

30. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

—Proverbs 31:10–31 NIV 1

God’s greatest work of art, His crowning creation, was a woman.

—David Brandt Berg