The wife of Noble Character A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life, She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands, She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks, She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, But you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
真的越读越不敢质疑上帝的存在，这篇箴言是在旧约里的，是公元前的作品。男尊女卑的社会， 那时候的人们用自己的智慧是想也想不出这样有才有德的妇人，就算想得出， 也不认可这样的标准。
这位女子是现代有才有德女子的偶像， 集智慧， 能力， 权威，自尊，仁爱，高贵于一身。中国历史凝练出的才德妇人贤惠有容，品性端庄， 在这些方面可与其相提并论，但在外交经商方面，难望其项背， 因为在中国的漫长历史中，女子抛头露面是被唾弃的。中国近代传统思想里，结了婚的女子就要为丈夫孩子牺牲一切， 节衣缩食，不顾仪容， 更是很多婚姻悲剧的开始。这位女子能得到所有人包括丈夫由衷的珍惜，尊重和爱戴，丈夫觉得有了她什么都不缺，那可是天下妇女梦寐以求的呀。我真的叹为观止，对这一篇百读不厌。妙文呀。 |
