English Bible
Sirach 26
Big screen- 1Blessed is the man that has a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double.
- 2A virtuous woman rejoices her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace.
- 3A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord.
- 4Whether 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.
- 5There be three things that my 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.
- 6But 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.
- 7An evil wife is a yoke shaken to and fro: he that has hold of her is as though he held a scorpion.
- 8A drunken woman and a gadder abroad causes great anger, and she will not cover her own shame.
- 9The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks and eyelids.
- 10If your daughter be shameless, keep her in straitly, lest she abuse herself through overmuch liberty.
- 11Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against you.
- 12She 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.
- 13The grace of a wife delights her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.
- 14A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord; and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.
- 15A shamefaced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind can’t be valued.
- 16As the sun when it arises in the high heaven; so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house.
- 17As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face in ripe age.
- 18As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver; so are the fair feet with a constant heart.
- 19My son, keep the flower of your age sound; and give not your strength to strangers.
- 20When you have gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with your own seed, trusting in the goodness of your stock.
- 21So your race which you leave shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.
- 22An harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.
- 23A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that fears the Lord.
- 24A dishonest woman contemns shame: but an honest woman will reverence her husband.
- 25A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefaced will fear the Lord.
- 26A woman that honors her husband shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonors him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.
- 27A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.
- 28There 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.
- 29A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong; and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.