Chapter 26
1 Blessed is the husband of a good wife;
because of her his life span will be doubled.
2 A loyal wife brings joy to her husband;
he will live out his years in peace.
3 A good wife is an incalculable blessing,
and she is bestowed on the man who fears the Lord.
4 Whether rich or poor, his heart is content,
and his face is always wreathed in smiles.
5 There are three things that cause my heart to quake,
and a fourth that terrifies me:
slanderous charges in the city, the gathering of a mob,
and false accusations—all these are worse than death.
6 But when a wife is jealous of a rival, it causes heartache and sorrow,
and everyone suffers the scourge inflicted by her tongue.
7 A bad wife is like a yoke that does not fit;
trying to control her is more difficult than handling a scorpion.
8 A drunken wife arouses great anger,
for she is unable to conceal her shame.
9 An unchaste wife can be discerned by her haughty stare;
her sidelong glances reveal the truth.
10 Keep a strict watch over a headstrong wife,
or else, when she senses an opportunity, she will seize her chance.
11 Be on the lookout for her imprudent glance,
and do not be surprised if she disgraces you.
12 As a thirsty traveler will open his mouth
and drink from any water source that he comes across,
so she will settle down in front of every tent-peg
and open her quiver to any arrow.
13 A gracious wife delights her husband,
and her thoughtfulness puts flesh on his bones.
14 A silent wife is a gift from the Lord;
her disciplined virtue is of surpassing value.
15 A modest wife is the choicest of blessings;
no scales can weigh the worth of her chastity.
16 Like the sun rising in the heavens of the Lord
is the beauty of a virtuous wife in a well-managed home.
17 Like the light shining on the sacred lampstand
is a beautiful face on a stately figure.
18 Like golden pillars on silver bases
are shapely legs and steadfast feet.
[19 My child, take care of your health in the bloom of your youth,
and do not waste your strength on strangers.
20 Search out the entire plain for a fertile field,
and there sow your own seed, trusting in your fine stock.
21 In this way, your children will prosper around you,
growing up confident in their breeding.
22 A prostitute is looked upon as no better than spittle,
but a married woman is a deadly snare for those who embrace her.
23 A godless woman is a suitable partner for a lawless husband,
but a pious woman is granted to the man who fears the Lord.
24 A brazen woman constantly acts in a disgraceful manner,
but a virtuous daughter is modest even in the presence of her husband.
25 A headstrong woman is looked upon as no better than a dog,
but one who is modest fears the Lord.
26 A woman who honors her husband is thought of as wise by all,
but if she dishonors him, others will regard her as proud and ungodly.
Blessed is the husband of a good wife,
for she doubles the length of his life.
27 A loud-mouthed, garrulous wife can be regarded
as a battle trumpet sounding the charge.
Any husband who responds to that summons
will live a life marked by the turbulence of war.]
Things That Cause Grief
28 Two things cause grief to my heart,
and a third arouses my anger:
a warrior suffering distress because of poverty,
wise individuals treated with contempt,
and a man who turns from justice to sin,
for whom the Lord will get ready the sword.
Moral Dangers in the Business World
29 It is a rare occurrence when a merchant avoids wrongdoing
or when a shopkeeper is innocent of dishonest practice.
Footnotes
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 26:7
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 26:10
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 26:18
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 26:19
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 26:28
- Wisdom of Ben Sira 26:29
