Home Master Index
←Prev   Sirach 26 as rendered by/in  Next→ 



26:1  Blessed is the husband of a good wife; because of her his life span will be doubled.
26:2  A loyal wife brings joy to her husband; he will live out his years in peace.
26:3  A good wife is an incalculable blessing, and she is bestowed on the man who fears the Lord.
26:4  Whether rich or poor, his heart is content, and his face is always wreathed in smiles.
26:5  There are three things that cause my heart to quake, and a fourth that terrifies me: slanderous charges in the city, the gathering of a mob, and false accusations—all these are worse than death.
26:6  But when a wife is jealous of a rival, it causes heartache and sorrow, and everyone suffers the scourge inflicted by her tongue.
26:7  A bad wife is like a yoke that does not fit; trying to control her is more difficult than handling a scorpion.
26:8  A drunken wife arouses great anger, for she is unable to conceal her shame.
26:9  An unchaste wife can be discerned by her haughty stare; her sidelong glances reveal the truth.
26:10  Keep a strict watch over a headstrong wife, or else, when she senses an opportunity, she will seize her chance.
26:11  Be on the lookout for her imprudent glance, and do not be surprised if she disgraces you.
26:12  As a thirsty traveler will open his mouth and drink from any water source that he comes across, so she will settle down in front of every tent-peg and open her quiver to any arrow.
26:13  A gracious wife delights her husband, and her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones.
26:14  A silent wife is a gift from the Lord; her disciplined virtue is of surpassing value.
26:15  A modest wife is the choicest of blessings; no scales can weigh the worth of her chastity.
26:16  Like the sun rising in the heavens of the Lord is the beauty of a virtuous wife in a well-managed home.
26:17  Like the light shining on the sacred lampstand is a beautiful face on a stately figure.
26:18  Like golden pillars on silver bases are shapely legs and steadfast feet.
26:19  [ My child, take care of your health in the bloom of your youth, and do not waste your strength on strangers.
26:20  Search out the entire plain for a fertile field, and there sow your own seed, trusting in your fine stock.
26:21  In this way, your children will prosper around you, growing up confident in their breeding.
26:22  A prostitute is looked upon as no better than spittle, but a married woman is a deadly snare for those who embrace her.
26:23  A godless woman is a suitable partner for a lawless husband, but a pious woman is granted to the man who fears the Lord.
26:24  A brazen woman constantly acts in a disgraceful manner, but a virtuous daughter is modest even in the presence of her husband.
26:25  A headstrong woman is looked upon as no better than a dog, but one who is modest fears the Lord.
26:26  A woman who honors her husband is thought of as wise by all, but if she dishonors him, others will regard her as proud and ungodly. Blessed is the husband of a good wife, for she doubles the length of his life.
26:27  A loud-mouthed, garrulous wife can be regarded as a battle trumpet sounding the charge. Any husband who responds to that summons will live a life marked by the turbulence of war.]
26:28  Two things cause grief to my heart, and a third arouses my anger: a warrior suffering distress because of poverty, wise individuals treated with contempt, and a man who turns from justice to sin, for whom the Lord will get ready the sword.