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 fulfill 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
the Lord.
4
Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart toward the Lord, he shall at
all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.
5
There be three things that mine heart fears; and for the fourth I was sore afraid:
the slander of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false
accusation: all these are worse than death.
6
But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and
a scourge of the tongue which communicates with all.
7
An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he who has hold of her is as though he held
a scorpion.
8
A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causes great anger, and she will not cover her
own shame.
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
overmuch liberty.
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
drink of 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
as a mind well instructed.
15
A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be
valued.
16
As the sun when it arises in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the
ordering of her house.
17
As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe
age.
18
As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a
constant heart.
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
own seed, trusting in the goodness of your stock.
21
So your race which you leave shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good
descent.
22
An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death
to her husband.
23
A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to
him whom fears the Lord.
24
A dishonest woman disdains 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
the Lord.
26
A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonors
him in 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 war
that suffers poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returns
from righteousness to 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
freed from sin.