Wisdom of Ben Sira 26

New Catholic Bible

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;^[a]
    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,^[b]
    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.^[c]
[^19 [d]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.]

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.

²⁹ It is a rare occurrence when a merchant avoids wrongdoing
    or when a shopkeeper is innocent of dishonest practice.