Sirach 26

1 Blessed is the husband of a good wife; the number of his days will be doubled.

2 A capable wife delights her husband, and he will complete his years in peace.

3 A good wife is a good portion, given as the portion of those who fear the Lord.

4 Whether rich or poor, a person with a good heart has a cheerful face at every time.

5 My heart fears three things, and the fourth terrifies me: slander throughout a city, a mob gathering, and a false accusation. All these are worse than death.

6 A wife jealous of another woman brings heartache and sorrow, and her tongue is a scourge shared with everyone.

7 A wicked wife is like a yoke that shifts back and forth; taking hold of her is like grasping a scorpion.

8 A drunken wife causes great anger and does not conceal her shame.

9 A woman’s sexual immorality is recognized by her arrogant gaze and eyelids.

10 If your daughter is shameless, keep her under strict watch so that she does not find freedom and misuse it.

11 Guard against a shameless eye, and do not be surprised if she wrongs you.

12 Like a thirsty traveler, she opens her mouth and drinks from every nearby water. She sits beside every post and opens her quiver to every arrow.

13 A wife’s favor delights her husband, and her knowledge puts strength into his bones.

14 A quiet wife is a gift from the Lord, and nothing can be exchanged for a well-instructed soul.

15 A modest wife is favor added to favor, and no scale can measure the worth of her self-controlled soul.

16 Like the sun rising in the Lord’s highest heaven is the beauty of a good wife in her well-ordered home.

17 Like a lamp shining on the holy lampstand is the beauty of a mature face.

18 Like gold pillars on a silver base are beautiful feet on a firm foundation.

19 My child, preserve the flower of your youth and do not give your strength to strangers.

20 When you have found fruitful soil across the whole field, sow it with your own seed, trusting in the goodness of your stock.

21 Then the offspring you leave will become great, confident in their good descent.

22 A prostitute will be regarded like spit, but a married woman is a tower protecting her husband from death.

23 A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man, but a devout woman is given to one who fears the Lord.

24 A dishonest woman despises shame, but an honorable woman respects her husband.

25 A shameless woman will be regarded like a dog, but a modest woman will fear the Lord.

26 A woman who honors her husband will be judged wise by everyone, but one who proudly dishonors him will be regarded as ungodly.

27 A loud, scolding woman will be sought to drive enemies away.

28 Two things grieve my heart, and a third makes me angry: a warrior suffering poverty, understanding people treated with contempt, and someone who turns from righteousness to sin. The Lord prepares such a person for the sword.

29 A merchant can hardly avoid offense, and a retailer will not be free from sin.