The chapter on the woman of noble character (or the wife of valor or whatever she’s called) is a poem that closes Proverbs. Unfortunately, the passage has been used to oppress women, demanding a wife have all the characteristics listed in the poem. But the beauty of the passage is that the speaker of the poem praises his wife not simply for her physical beauty, but for her strength. He admires her fortitude, her wisdom, and her goodness. He recognizes that beauty is not in the eye but the heart.

The Indian woman here may or may not be married. Her husband may or may not be known in the city gates. She may or may not have a household, but she is noble. She has wrapped herself in purple and adorned her figure with dignity. Her hands are worn and her face weathered, but she does not appear to be suffering. She is the beautiful elder, not forgotten. Even if she were forgotten by men—her husband, or sons, or government—she will not be forgotten by God. -- Andrea Thornton