26 The husband of a good wife is a fortunate man; he will live twice as long because of her. 2 A fine wife is a joy to her husband, and he can live out his years in peace. 3 A good wife is among the precious blessings given to those who fear the Lord. 4 Whether such men are rich or poor, they will be happy and always look cheerful.
5 There are four things that scare me: vicious rumors spread around town, a gathering mob, false accusations—these are all worse than death. 6 But a woman jealous of another woman causes heartache and grief; her tongue lashes out at everyone.
7 A bad wife is like a yoke that doesn't fit. Trying to control her is like holding a scorpion. 8 A drunken woman is an infuriating sight; she can't conceal her shameless behavior. 9 You can tell an unfaithful wife by the bold and flirting look in her eyes.
10 If your daughter is determined to have her own way, keep a close watch on her. If you don't, she'll take advantage of any chance she gets. 11 If she is too self-willed, be on guard, and don't be surprised if she disappoints you. 12 She'll spread her legs anywhere for any man who wants her, just as a thirsty traveler will drink whatever water is available.
13 A gracious wife is her husband's delight; her abilities make him a stronger man.[a] 14 A wife who doesn't talk too much is a gift from the Lord. Such restraint is admirable beyond words. 15 A modest wife has endless charm; it is a quality too precious to measure. 16 The beauty of a good wife in her well-kept home is like the noonday sun shining in the Lord's sky. 17 Her beautiful face and attractive figure are[b] as lovely as the light from the sacred lampstand in the Temple, 18 and like its gold shaft set on its silver base are her shapely legs and strong ankles.[c][d]
Sad Observations
28 There are two things that make me sad, and a third that makes me angry:
a soldier who has become poor,
intelligent people who are not respected,
and a righteous person who turns to evil.
The Lord will punish such a person with death!
29 A merchant can hardly avoid doing wrong; every salesman is guilty of sin.
Footnotes
- Sirach 26:13 her abilities...man; or she knows how to keep him well-fed.
- Sirach 26:17 and attractive figure are; or as she grows older is.
- Sirach 26:18 strong ankles; some manuscripts have firm breasts or determined heart.
- Sirach 26:18 Some manuscripts add verses 19-27: My child, stay healthy while you are young, and don't give your strength to strangers. 20 Search the whole land for a fertile field, and plant it with your own seed, trusting your own good stock. 21 Then your children will survive and grow up confident of their good family. 22 A prostitute is like spit; a married woman who has affairs brings death to her lovers. 23 A lawless man will get a godless wife, as he deserves, but a man who honors the Lord will have a devout wife. 24 A shameless wife enjoys making a disgrace of herself, but a modest wife will act modestly even alone with her husband. 25 A self-willed woman is a bitch, but a woman with a sense of decency honors the Lord. 26 A wife who honors her husband will seem wise to everyone; but if she dishonors him by her overbearing attitude, everyone will know that she is ungodly. Fortunate is the husband of a good wife, because he will live twice as long. 27 A loud-mouthed, talkative woman is like a trumpet sounding the signal for attack, and any man who has such a wife will spend his life at war.