Bible, Revised Standard Version
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Sir.26
[1] Happy is the husband of a good wife;
the number of his days will be doubled.
[2] A loyal wife rejoices her husband,
and he will complete his years in peace.
[3] A good wife is a great blessing;
she will be granted among the blessings of
the man who fears the Lord.
[4] Whether rich or poor, his heart is glad,
and at all times his face is cheerful.
[5] Of three things my heart is afraid,
and of a fourth I am frightened:
The slander of a city, the gathering of a mob,
and false accusation -- all these are worse than death.
[6] There is grief of heart and sorrow
when a wife is envious of a rival, and a tongue-lashing
makes it known to all.
[7] An evil wife is an ox yoke which chafes;
taking hold of her is like grasping a scorpion.
[8] There is great anger when a wife is drunken;
she will not hide her shame.
[9] A wife's harlotry shows in her lustful eyes,
and she is known by her eyelids.
[10] Keep strict watch over a headstrong daughter,
lest, when she finds liberty, she use it to her hurt.
[11] Be on guard against her impudent eye,
and do not wonder if she sins against you.
[12] As a thirsty wayfarer opens his mouth
and drinks from any water near him,
so will she sit in front of every post
and open her quiver to the arrow.
[13] A wife's charm delights her husband,
and her skill puts fat on his bones.
[14] A silent wife is a gift of the Lord,
and there is nothing so precious as a disciplined soul.
[15] A modest wife adds charm to charm,
and no balance can weigh the value of a chaste soul.
[16] Like the sun rising in the heights of the Lord,
so is the beauty of a good wife in her well-ordered home.
[17] Like the shining lamp on the holy lampstand,
so is a beautiful face on a stately figure.
[18] Like pillars of gold on a base of silver,
so are beautiful feet with a steadfast heart.
[28] At two things my heart is grieved,
and because of a third anger comes over me:
a warrior in want through poverty,
and intelligent men who are treated contemptuously;
a man who turns back from righteousness to sin --
the Lord will prepare him for the sword!
[29] A merchant can hardly keep from wrongdoing,
and a tradesman will not be declared innocent of sin.