Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
This is a very beautiful description of a virtuous woman. But is it not the church of Christ, that is intended by it? As the scriptures are full of the praises of Christ, so we find in many portions of the word, similar commendations of the church's beauty. For being made comely by the comeliness which he hath put upon her, she is lovely in his eyes, and no spot is found in her. Song of Solomon 4:7. In Psalms 45:1, we have a very delightful account given of the church, to which I refer. And the whole book of the Songs, is full of nothing less than the mutual love between Christ and his church. If the Reader will compare what is here said concerning the virtuous woman, and what is said in the scriptures I have referred to, as well as other parts of the word of God, in reference to the church, he will find that, however individually considered, it may be said of every child of God what is here rehearsed; yet, it is collectively spoken of the Bride, the Lamb's wife. Revelation 21:2-9. Of her as appearing in the eyes of Jesus, it may be truly said; Many daughters have done excellently, but she excelleth them all.