Sirach 26

1Happy is the husband of a good wife, and the number of his days is doubled.

2A capable wife gladdens her husband, and he will spend his years in pleasantness.

3A good wife is a good gift; she will be given into the bosom of one who fears God.

4Whether rich or poor, a good heart has a cheerful face at all times.

5From three things my heart was afraid, and before a fourth I prayed:

6Slander in a city, and an assembly of a mob, and a false accusation—all these are worse than death.

7A jealous wife is heartache and grief when set against another woman, and a scourge of the tongue that associates with everyone.

8A wicked wife is a shaking yoke for oxen; whoever takes hold of her is like one who grabs a scorpion.

9A drunken wife is great anger, and she will not cover her shame.

10A woman's sexual immorality is known by the lifting of her eyes, and by her eyelids.

11Keep strict watch over a headstrong daughter, lest, finding freedom for herself, she make use of it.

12Guard yourself against an impudent eye, and do not be surprised if she sins against you.

13Like a thirsty traveler she opens her mouth, and from every nearby water she will drink; opposite every stake she will sit down, and before every arrow she will open her quiver.

14A wife's grace delights her husband, and her understanding puts flesh on his bones.

15A quiet wife is a gift from the Lord, and there is no equivalent for a disciplined soul.

16Grace upon grace is a modest woman, and no scale is worthy of a self-controlled soul.

17Like the sun rising in the heights of the Lord, so is the beauty of a good wife in the adornment of his house.

18A lamp shining brightly on a holy lampstand, and the beauty of a face at a steadfast age.

19Golden pillars on a silver base, and beautiful feet on the breast of one who stands firm.

20Over two things my heart is grieved, and over the third anger came upon me:

21A warrior failing through want, and men of understanding if they are treated as refuse,

22One who turns back from righteousness to sin—the Lord will prepare him for the sword.

28Over two things my heart is grieved, and over a third anger has come upon me: a warrior brought low by poverty, and men of understanding if they are treated like refuse, and one who turns back from righteousness to sin—the Lord will prepare him for the sword.

29A merchant will scarcely be kept from wrongdoing, and a shopkeeper will not be declared righteous from sin.