The INNER ESSENCE of a WOMAN

will always, like Cinderella, not be a victimized scullery girl,

but a woman, even if placed in an awful situation, is able to make the best of it.

THE POEM

The poem that begins with the idea that a woman is more precious than pearls or rubies is in the Proverbs. There are different translations and below are two translations from two websites which are listed at the end under references.

The second line of translation starts with a number that corresponds to the verse of the poem.

PRICELESS
An accomplished woman, who can find? Her value is far beyond pearls.
10 ‘A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. ‘

TRUSTWORTHY.
Her husband’s heart relies on her and he shall lack no fortune.
11 ‘Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.’

ALIGNED INTENTION.
She does him good and not evil, all the days of her life.
12 ‘She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. ‘

DISCERNMENT.
She seeks wool and flax, and works with her hands willingly.
13 ‘She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.’

ASTUTE DISTINCTION.
She is like the merchant ships, she brings her bread from afar.
14 ‘She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.’

ENCOURAGING EFFORT.
She arises while it is still night, and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidservants.
15 ‘She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.’

TRANSACTIONS.
She plans for a field, and buys it. With the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
16 ‘She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.’

POSITIVITY RECEPTOR.
She girds her loins in strength, and makes her arms strong.
17 ‘She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.’

ILLUMINATING REFLECTOR.
She knows that her merchandise is good. Her candle does not go out at night.
18 ‘She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.’

EBB & FLOW.
She sets her hands to the distaff, and holds the spindle in her hands.
19 ‘In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.’

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION.
She extends her hands to the poor, and reaches out her hand to the needy.
20 ‘She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.’

CHARACTER FLEXIBILITY.
She fears not for her household because of snow, because her whole household is warmly dressed.
21 ‘When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.’

ENVIRONMENT.
She makes covers for herself, her clothing is fine linen and purple.
22 ‘She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.’

POSITIVE INFLUENCE.
Her husband is known at the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
23 ‘Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.’

LIVELIHOOD.
She makes a cloak and sells it, and she delivers aprons to the merchant.
24 ‘She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.’

DIGNITY.
Strength and honor are her clothing, she smiles at the future.
25 ‘She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.’

WISE WORDS.
She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the lesson of kindness is on her tongue.
26′ She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. ‘

WISE OBSERVATIONS.
She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
27 ‘She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.’

JOYOUS RECOGNITION.
Her children rise and praise her, her husband lauds her.
28 ‘Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘

HUMBLE VIRTUE.
Many women have done worthily, but you surpass them all.
29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

INNER ESSENCE.
Charm is deceptive and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears God shall be praised.
30 ‘Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.’

CROSSING THRESHOLDS.
Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
31 ‘Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. ‘

Poem References: First line of translation:

http://judaism.about.com/od/shabbatprayersblessings/f/eshetchayil.htm

A Woman of Valor, called Eshet Chayil in Hebrew Second line of translation starting with verse number:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/

Proverbs 31 (New International Version)
© 2008 Sherrie Rose.

Sherri Rose’s SITES TO CHECK OUT, both MEN & WOMEN

Source of THE POEM, Happy Women Love Men: http://happywomenlovemen.com/happywomenlovemen/

According to Sherri Rose: http://www.herlovebucket.com/