Sirach 26
26
1Happy is the husband of a good wife.
The number of his days will be doubled.
2A faithful wife gives joy to her husband.
He will fulfill his years in peace.
3A good wife is a great gift.
She will be given to those who fear the Lord.
4Whether a man is rich or poor,
a good heart makes a cheerful face at all times.
5Of three things my heart was afraid,
and concerning the fourth#26:5 Gr. countenance. kind I made supplication:
The slander of a city, the assembly of a mob, and a false accusation.
All these are more grievous than death.
6A grief of heart and sorrow is a woman who is jealous of another woman.
Her tongue-lashing makes it known to all.
7A wicked woman is like a chafing yoke.
He who takes hold of her is like one who grasps a scorpion.
8A drunken woman causes great wrath.
She will not cover her own shame.
9The fornication of a woman is in the lifting up of her eyes;
it will be known by her eyelids.
10Keep strict watch on a headstrong daughter,
lest she find liberty for herself, and use it.
11Watch out for an impudent eye,
and don’t be surprised if it sins against you.
12She will open her mouth like a thirsty traveller,
and drink from every water that is near.
She will sit down at every post,
and open her quiver to any arrow.
13The grace of a wife will delight her husband.
Her knowledge will strengthen#26:13 or, fatten his bones.
14A silent woman is a gift of the Lord.
There is nothing worth so much as a well-instructed soul.
15A modest woman is grace upon grace.
There are no scales that can weigh the value of a self-controlled soul.
16As the sun when it arises in the highest places of the Lord,
so is the beauty of a good wife in her well-organized home.
17As the lamp that shines upon the holy lampstand,
so is the beauty of the face on a well-proportioned body.
18As the golden pillars are upon a base of silver,
so are beautiful feet with the breasts of one who is steadfast. 19-27#26:19-27 Verses 19-27 are omitted by the best authorities.
28For two things my heart is grieved,
and for the third anger comes upon me:
a warrior who suffers for poverty,
men of understanding who are counted as garbage,
and one who turns back from righteousness to sin—
the Lord will prepare him for the sword!
29It is difficult for a merchant to keep himself from wrong doing,
and for a retailer to be acquitted of sin.
Currently Selected:
Sirach 26: WEBUS
Highlight
Share
Copy
Want to have your highlights saved across all your devices? Sign up or sign in
PUBLIC DOMAIN (not copyrighted)