Sir 25
1
In three things I was beautified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men:
the unity of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.
2
Three sorts of men my soul hates, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor
man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doateth.
3
If you have gathered nothing in your youth, how can you find any thing in your age?
4
O how beautiful a thing is judgement for gray hairs, and for ancient men to know counsel!
5
O how beautiful is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of
honour.
6
Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.
7
There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth
I will utter with my tongue: A man that has joy of his children; and he who lives
to see the fall of his enemy:
8
Well is him whom dwells with a wife of understanding, and that has not slipped with
his tongue, and that has not served a man more unworthy than himself:
9
Well is him whom has found prudence, and he who speaks in the ears of them that will
hear:
10
O how great is he who finds wisdom! yet is there none above him whom fears the Lord.
11
But the love of the Lord passes all things for illumination: he who holds it, whereto
shall he be likened?
12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving
to him.
13
Give me any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness
of a woman:
14
And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but
the revenge of enemies.
15
There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no anger above the anger
of an enemy.
16
I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman.
17
The wickedness of a woman changes her face, and darkens her countenance like sackcloth.
18
Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he hears it shall sigh bitterly.
19
All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner
fall upon her.
20
As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words
to a quiet man.
21
Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure.
22
A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and much reproach.
23
A wicked woman abates the courage, makes an heavy countenance and a wounded heart:
a woman that will not comfort her husband in distress makes weak hands and feeble
knees.
24
Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.
25
Give the water no passage; neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad.
26
If she go not as you would have her, cut her off from your flesh, and give her a bill
of divorce, and let her go.