Sirach
As found in the Greek Septuagint
GNB
Chapter 26
Advice about Women (Continued from chapter 25)
Sirach 26:1 The husband of a good wife is a fortunate man; he will live twice as long because of her.
Sirach 26:2 A fine wife is a joy to her husband, and he can live out his years in peace.
Sirach 26:3 A good wife is among the precious blessings given to those who fear the Lord.
Sirach 26:4 Whether such men are rich or poor, they will be happy and always look cheerful.
Sirach 26:5 There are four things that scare me: vicious rumors spread around town, a gathering mob, false accusations-these are all worse than death.
Sirach 26:6 But a woman jealous of another woman causes heartache and grief; her tongue lashes out at everyone.
Sirach 26:7 A bad wife is like a yoke that doesn't fit. Trying to control her is like holding a scorpion.
Sirach 26:8 A drunken woman is an infuriating sight; she can't conceal her shameless behavior.
Sirach 26:9 You can tell an unfaithful wife by the bold and flirting look in her eyes.
Sirach 26:10 If your wife [or daughter] is determined to have her own way, keep a close watch on her. If you don't, she'll take advantage of any chance she gets.
Sirach 26:11 If she is too self-willed, be on guard, and don't be surprised if she disappoints you.
Sirach 26:12 She'll spread her legs anywhere for any man who wants her, just as a thirsty traveler will drink whatever water is available.
Sirach 26:13 A gracious wife is her husband's delight; her abilities make him a stronger man.
Sirach 26:14 A wife who doesn't talk too much is a gift from the Lord. Such restraint is admirable beyond words.
Sirach 26:15 A modest wife has endless charm; it is a quality too precious to measure.
Sirach 26:16 The beauty of a good wife in her well-kept home is like the noonday sun shining in the Lord's sky.
Sirach 26:17 Her beautiful face and attractive figure are as lovely as the light from the sacred lamp-stand in the Temple,
Sirach 26:18 and like its gold shaft set on its silver base are her shapely legs and strong ankles.
Sirach 26:19 My child, stay healthy while you are young, and don't give your strength to strangers.
Sirach 26:20 Search the whole land for a fertile field, and plant it with your own seed, trusting your own good stock.
Sirach 26:21 Then your children will survive and grow up confident of their good family.
Sirach 26:22 A prostitute is like spit; a married woman who has affairs brings death to her lovers.
Sirach 26:23 A lawless man will get a godless wife, as he deserves, but a man who honors the Lord will have a devout wife.
Sirach 26:24 A shameless wife enjoys making a disgrace of herself, but a modest wife will act modestly even alone with her husband.
Sirach 26:25 A self-willed woman is a bitch, but a woman with a sense of decency honors the Lord.
Sirach 26:26 A wife who honors her husband will seem wise to everyone; but if she dishonors him by her overbearing attitude, everyone will know that she is ungodly. Fortunate is the husband of a good wife, because he will live twice as long.
Sirach 26:27 A loud-mouthed, talkative woman is like a trumpet sounding the signal for attack, and any man who has such a wife will spend his life at war.
Sirach 26:28 There are two things that make me sad, and a third that makes me angry: a soldier who has become poor, intelligent people who are not respected, and a righteous person who turns to evil. The Lord will punish such a person with death!
Sirach 26:29 A merchant can hardly avoid doing wrong; every salesman is guilty of sin.