[12:4] 1 tn Heb “a wife of virtue”; NAB, NLT “a worthy wife.” This noble woman (אֵשֶׁת־חַיִל, ’shet-khayil) is the subject of Prov 31. She is a “virtuous woman” (cf. KJV), a capable woman of noble character. She is contrasted with the woman who is disgraceful (מְבִישָׁה, mÿvishah; “one who causes shame”) or who lowers his standing in the community.
[12:4] 2 sn The metaphor of the “crown” emphasizes that such a wife is a symbol of honor and glory.
[12:4] 3 tn Heb “she”; the referent (the wife) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
[12:4] 4 sn The simile means that the shameful acts of such a woman will eat away her husband’s strength and influence and destroy his happiness.
