Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsProverbs 31

A valiant woman who shall find?

Upon occasion of his mother's most prudent admonition, the wiseman singularly praiseth a perfect virtuous woman. ^[1] And that in an exquisite kind of style: in Tetramical Iambic verse, with perfect order and number of the Alphabet letters, signifying, ^[2] as S. Jerom teacheth, that as none can read, or spell words, unless they first learn to know the letters: so we cannot attain to know the greater Mysteries in holy Scriptures, except we begin with moral good life, according to that the Prophet sayth: By thy commandments I have understood. ^[3] And therefore wise Salomon, by instinct of the Holy Ghost, as well by the manner of style, as by the doctrine contained, concludeth his Book of Parables, with praise both of the Church in general, ^[4] which hath all the virtues, and good properties here mentioned, and of every faithful soul, sincerely serving God, which either in deed, or in desire of mind, ^[5] hath such part of them, as may suffice to the attaining of eternal life. For concerning the whole Church S. Augustine in two Sermons (217. and 218: de temp.) S. Beda upon this place, and other Fathers shew it evidently. Touching also particular souls, not only of holy men, but also of women, ^[6] the frailer sex, holy Scriptures, and Ecclesiastical monuments yield many examples, besides the most Excellent and Immaculate Virgin Mother of God: as of Sara, Rebecca, Lia, Rachæl, Elizabeth, Mary Magdalen, Martha, and innumerable others, most precious pearls, dear spouses of Christ, and singular ornaments of his Church.

• 1 The praise of a right wise woman written in verse, & in order of the Alphabet.
• 2 Proem. lament.
• 3 Psal. 118. v. 104.
• 4 The Church hath all good properties requisite.
• 5 A faithful soul hath them at least in desire.
• 6 Rare and excellent women both in the old and new testament.