Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Proverbs 31 is an acrostic poem

The "Ode to the Capable Wife" in the Hebrew is an acrostic poem, so here's what it might look like translated as such:


Proverb 31:10-31 as an acrostic
A capable wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels.
Believe me her husband trusts her fully, and he’ll gain much.
Choosing wool and flax, handicraft is her work.
Delightful foods from far away she brings, for she is like a merchant ship.
Early to rise she is, providing food for her family and tasks for her help.
Fields she looks at and buys; with the fruit of her hands she plants vineyards.
Gaining strength and holding great power is what she does.
Her merchandise always turns a profit, and she works at all hours.
I am amazed at her industry when she works with wool
Just look at her generosity! She is always there with open hands to those in need.
Kindly take note, her house is always in good repair and looks quite friendly.
Look at her home made clothing, look how exotic and elegant it is!
Men from all over talk about how virtuous her husband is, she’s behind that too!
No one out sells her when it comes to garments, both at home and abroad!
O’ look how well she dresses, so prepared for all seasons.
Proverbs and wisdom spill from her mouth, she teaches kindness all her days.
Quiet diligence is what they call her home, it is never idle.
Rightly her children praise her, her husband, her whole family.
Saying, “There are many good and successful women, but you, you surpass them all.”
Truly she is a woman of wisdom, who “fears the LORD.”
Unleash her on the world, they’ll praise her everywhere.

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