Sir 26

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