Wisdom of Sirach 26
1Blessed is the man that has a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double.
2A virtuous woman rejoices her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace.
3A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord.
4Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.
5There be three things that mine heart fears; and for the fourth I was sore afraid: the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.
6But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicates with all.
7An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that has hold of her is as though he held a scorpion.
8A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causes great anger, and she will not cover her own shame.
9The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids.
10If your daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.
11Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against you.
12She will open her mouth, as a thirsty traveller when he has found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every hedge will she sit down, and open her quiver against every arrow.
13The grace of a wife delights her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.
14A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.
15A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind can't be valued.
16As the sun when it arises in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.
17As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age.
18As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a constant heart.
19My son, keep the flower of your age sound; and give not your strength to strangers.
20When you have gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with your own seed, trusting in the goodness of your stock.
21So your race which you leave shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.
22An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.
23A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that fears the Lord.
24A dishonest woman contemns shame: but an honest woman will reverence her husband.
25A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord.
26A woman that honors her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonors him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.
27A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.
28There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third makes me angry: a man of war that suffers poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returns from righteousness to sin; the Lord prepares such an one for the sword.
29A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.
Commentaries for Wisdom of Sirach 26:0