Sirach 26

1Happy is the husband of a good wife; The number of his days will be doubled.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

2A courageous wife makes her husband glad, And his years will be full of peace.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

3A good wife is a good portion, And she will be given in the portion Of those who fear the Lord.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

4The good heart of a rich or a poor man Is a cheerful face at all times.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

5My heart fears because of three things, And I pray to God concerning a fourth: The slander of a city, the gathering of a mob, And a false accusation—all these are worse than death.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

6There is also pain of heart and sorrow When a wife is jealous over another woman, And a tongue-lashing makes it known to all.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

7An evil wife is like an ox-yoke that shakes to and fro, And to take hold of her is like grabbing a scorpion.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

8A drunken wife is very wrathful, And she will not conceal her shame.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

9The fornication of a wife will be known By her haughty looks and her eyelids.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

10Keep strong watch over a headstrong daughter, Lest she find some liberty and make the most of it.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

11Be on guard against her shameless eye, And do not be amazed if she trespasses against you.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

12Her mouth will open like a thirsty traveler's And drink from any water nearby.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

13She will sit down before every tent peg And open her quiver to any arrow. A wife's grace will delight her husband, And her skill will put fat on his bones.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

14A silent wife is a gift from the Lord, And there is nothing worth as much as a disciplined soul.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

15A modest wife is blessing upon blessing, And there is no scale adequate to weigh a self-controlled soul.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

16Like the sun rising in the Lord's heaven Is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

17Like a lamp shining on the holy lampstand Is the beauty of a countenance in the prime of life.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

18Beautiful feet with a steady heart are like golden pillars on a silver base.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

19My heart is grieved by two things, And because of a third, anger arises within me: A man of war in want because of poverty; Men of intelligence who suffer contempt; And a man who turns back from righteousness to sin. The Lord will prepare this one for the sword.

Greek verse alignment unresolved

20With difficulty a merchant will deliver himself from wrongdoing, And a peddler will not be acquitted from sin.

Greek verse alignment unresolved