A wife of noble character
The Hebrew phrase here is "אֵֽשֶׁת־חַ֭יִל" (eshet chayil), which can be translated as "woman of valor" or "woman of strength." This phrase sets the tone for the entire passage, emphasizing the virtues and moral strength of a godly woman. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a woman's role was often confined to the household, yet this phrase elevates her status, recognizing her as a person of significant influence and capability. The term "chayil" is also used in other parts of the Old Testament to describe warriors and men of great strength, underscoring the idea that a woman of noble character possesses a strength that is both moral and spiritual.

who can find?
This rhetorical question suggests the rarity and value of such a woman. In a world where virtue can often be overshadowed by superficial qualities, the question challenges the reader to recognize and seek out true character. The implication is that a wife of noble character is not easily found, and her worth is beyond measure. This echoes the wisdom literature's theme of seeking and valuing wisdom and virtue above all else.

She is far more precious than rubies
The comparison to rubies, known for their beauty and rarity, highlights the immense value of a virtuous woman. In ancient times, rubies were considered one of the most precious stones, often associated with wealth and status. By stating that a woman of noble character is "far more precious," the verse elevates her worth above material wealth. This aligns with the biblical principle that spiritual and moral qualities are of greater value than earthly possessions. The imagery of precious stones also connects to other scriptural references where wisdom and understanding are likened to treasures, reinforcing the idea that a godly woman's worth is immeasurable and enduring.

APPENDIX (c).--THE PRAISE OF A GOOD WIFE. (Proverbs 31:10, sqq.)

This is written in the form of an acrostic, the twenty-two verses composing it each commencing with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This may have been done, as in the case of several of the psalms, which are of a didactic character (e.g., 25, 34, 37, 119), to render it more easy for committal to memory. By some writers the acrostic form has been supposed to argue a late date for the poem, but there is no evidence for this. One psalm, at all events, of which there seems no reason to doubt the Davidic authorship--the 9th--is cast in this form.

(10) Who can find a virtuous woman?--Various mystical interpretations of the person here implied have been held at different times. She has been supposed to signify the Law, the Church, the Holy Spirit.

Verses 10-31. - Part IX. THIRD APPENDIX TO THE SECOND COLLECTION. This section contains an ode in praise of the virtuous woman, derived from a different source from that of the words of Agur, and belonging to a different age (see Introduction). It is an acrostic; that is, each verse begins with one of the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, arranged in the usual order. We may compare this mashal with the alphabetical psalms, "Psalmi abcedarii," which are, more or less, of similar structure, but of which one only, the hundred and nineteenth, is so marked in the English versions. Other examples are Psalm 9, 10, 25, 34, 37, 111, 112, 145; also Lamentations 1, 2, and 3. One object of this artificial construction was to render the matter easier to commit to memory. The spiritual expositors see in this description of the virtuous woman a prophetic representation of the Church of Christ in her truth and purity and influence. Thus Bode: "Hic sapientissimus regum Salomon laudes sanctae Ecclesiae versibus paucis sed plenissima veritate depingit.... Cujus (carminis) ordine perfectissimo alphabeti typice innuitur, quam plenissime hic vel animae cujusque fidelis, vel totius sanctae Ecclesiae, quae ex omnibus electis animabus una perficitur Catholica, virtutes ac praemia describantur." Verse 10. - ALEPH. Who can find a virtuous woman? The expression, ishshah chayil, "woman of force," has occurred in ch. 12:4 (where see note). Mulierem fortem, St. Jerome terms her; γυναῖκα ἀνδρείαν is the rendering of the LXX., which places this section as the end of the whole Book of Proverbs. The expression combines the ideas of moral goodness and bodily vigour and activity. It is useless to try to fix the character upon any particular person. The representation is that of an ideal woman - the perfect housewife, the chaste helpmate of her husband, upright, God-fearing, economical, wise. See an anticipation of this character (Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 19:14); and a very different view (Ecclesiastes 7:26). It is very remarkable to meet with such a delineation of woman in the East, where the female generally occupies a most degraded position, and is cut off from all sphere of activity and administration. To paint such a portrait needed inspiration of some sort. Such a one is hard to find. Her price is far above rubies; or, pearls (see on Proverbs 20:15 and Proverbs 3:15). Septuagint, "Such a one is more valuable than precious stones." There may be allusion to the custom of giving treasure in exchange for a wife, purchasing her, as it were, from her friends (comp. Hosea 3:2). At any rate, few only are privileged to meet with this excellent wife, and her worth cannot be estimated by any material object, however costly. St. Jerome, with a slight difference in the reading, has, Procul, et de ultimis finibus pretium ejus. You may go to the ends of the earth to find her equal in value.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Who
מִ֣י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

can find
יִמְצָ֑א (yim·ṣā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672: To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present

a wife
אֵֽשֶׁת־ (’ê·šeṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

of noble character?
חַ֭יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

She is far
וְרָחֹ֖ק (wə·rā·ḥōq)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7350: Remote, of place, time, precious

more precious
מִכְרָֽהּ׃ (miḵ·rāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4377: Merchandise, value

than rubies.
מִפְּנִינִ֣ים (mip·pə·nî·nîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6443: A pearl


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OT Poetry: Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a worthy woman? (Prov. Pro Pr)