The Virtuous Woman 1. A virtuous woman is a gem above the ruby's value far: She shineth in God's diadem with clearer luster than a star. Her goodness is a guarding wall around her husband; he desires No other love, but all in all, to him, her tenderness inspires. 2. Her help upholds him, and her voice is like a song about his days; Her loins and arms with strength rejoice; her sceptre is a hymn of praise. She buyeth well and selleth well, and plants a vineyard with her hands; She maketh linen fine to sell, and by the needy ever stands. 3. Her household are in scarlet dress'd; she does not fear the snow and cold: Her instinct knoweth what is best; her fingers wool and flax unfold. She riseth early, and prepares food for her household through the night; Her diligence a candle bears; and darkness round her is as light. 4. Like to a merchant ship she brings her food from fields that distant lie. Her tongue the law of kindness sings, and there is wisdom in her eye. She robes herself with tapestries; and strength and honor are her dress; Her household's ev'ry need she sees, and scorns the bread of idleness. 5. Her husband sitteth in the gates, and he is honor'd in the land: The goodness of his spirit mates the lovely ardor of her hand. Her children and her husband call her blessed, and revere her worth; More excellent is she than all who do great deeds upon the earth. 6. A virtuous woman is a gem above the ruby's value far: She shineth in God's diadem with clearer luster than a star. Favor is false and beauty vain, but prais'd be woman when she waits Upon the Lord, for she shall gain a full approval in the gates. Text: based on Proverbs 31:10-31