Chapter 26

“A man with a good wife is blessed. A heart disease and sorrow – a bad wife, a dissolute daughter. Three things does the heart fear: slander of the city, the tumult of a crowd, and accusation to death. The heart grieves over two things – but burns with indignation at the third: if a deserving warrior suffers poverty, a wise man is despised, and if a virtuous one turns to the path of sin.”

Sirach 26:1. “A man with a good wife is blessed, and the number of his days is doubled.” 2. “A virtuous wife gladdens her husband and will fill his years with peace;” 3. “A good wife is a happy lot: she is given as a portion to those who fear the Lord;” 4. “With her both the rich and the poor have a contented heart and a cheerful countenance at all times.” 5. “Three things does my heart fear, and at the fourth I pray:” 6. “The slander of the city, the tumult of a crowd, and accusation to death – all this is dreadful.” 7. “A heart disease and sorrow – a woman jealous of another woman,” 8. “And the scourge of her tongue, which affects everyone.” 9. “A yoke that moves back and forth – an evil woman; whoever takes her is like one seizing a scorpion.” “9. As an ill-fitting yoke is uncomfortable and painful, so an evil wife is unbearable to a husband. As it is unpleasant and dangerous to seize a poisonous, stinging scorpion in one’s hands, so it is unpleasant and dangerous to come into contact with an evil woman.”

Sirach 26:10. “A great shame – a woman devoted to drunkenness, and she will not hide her shame.” 11. “The inclination of a woman toward fornication is known by the raising of her eyes and eyelids.” 12. “Guard a shameless daughter with a strong watch, so that, if she finds any loosening, she will not abuse herself.” 13. “Beware of a shameless eye, and do not be surprised if she sins against you:” 14. “Just as a thirsty wayfarer opens his mouth and drinks any nearby water,” 15. “So she will sit opposite any tent and open her quiver before every arrow.” “15. The immoral desires of a promiscuous woman are expressed and demand their satisfaction at every convenient opportunity for her.”

Sirach 26:16. “A wife’s graciousness will delight her husband, and her prudence will fatten his bones.” “16. A good wife contributes to the inner and outer well-being of her husband.”

Sirach 26:17. “A gentle wife is a gift from the Lord, and there is no price for a well-bred soul.” 18. “Grace upon grace – a modest wife,” 19. “And there is no worthy measure for a temperate soul.” 20. “Just as the sun rising on the heights of the Lord,” 21. “So is the beauty of a good wife in the adornment of her house;” 22. “Just as a lamp shining on a holy candelabrum is the beauty of her face in mature years;” 23. “Just as golden pillars on a silver base, so are her beautiful feet on firm heels.” 24. “Two things grieved my heart, and at the third my heart burned with indignation:” 25. “If a warrior suffers from poverty, and wise men are in contempt;” 26. “And if someone turns from righteousness to sin, the Lord has prepared him for the sword.” 27. “A merchant can scarcely avoid sinning, and a tavern keeper will not be saved from sin.” “27. This clarifies verses 1–3 of chapter XXVII.”