Chapter Twenty-Six

“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. Sirach 26:2. “A virtuous wife gladdens her husband and will fill his years with peace; Sirach 26:3. “A good wife is a happy lot: she is given as a portion to those who fear the Lord; Sirach 26:4. “With her both the rich and the poor have a contented heart and a cheerful countenance at all times. Sirach 26:5. “Three things does my heart fear, and at the fourth I pray: Sirach 26:6. “The slander of the city, the tumult of a crowd, and accusation to death – all this is dreadful. Sirach 26:7. “A heart disease and sorrow – a woman jealous of another woman, Sirach 26:8. “And the scourge of her tongue, which affects everyone. Sirach 26:9. “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. Sirach 26:11. “The inclination of a woman toward fornication is known by the raising of her eyes and eyelids. Sirach 26:12. “Guard a shameless daughter with a strong watch, so that, if she finds any loosening, she will not abuse herself. Sirach 26:13. “Beware of a shameless eye, and do not be surprised if she sins against you: Sirach 26:14. “Just as a thirsty wayfarer opens his mouth and drinks any nearby water, Sirach 26:15. “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. Sirach 26:18. “Grace upon grace – a modest wife, Sirach 26:19. “And there is no worthy measure for a temperate soul. Sirach 26:20. “Just as the sun rising on the heights of the Lord, Sirach 26:21. “So is the beauty of a good wife in the adornment of her house; Sirach 26:22. “Just as a lamp shining on a holy candelabrum is the beauty of her face in mature years; Sirach 26:23. “Just as golden pillars on a silver base, so are her beautiful feet on firm heels. Sirach 26:24. “Two things grieved my heart, and at the third my heart burned with indignation: Sirach 26:25. “If a warrior suffers from poverty, and wise men are in contempt; Sirach 26:26. “And if someone turns from righteousness to sin, the Lord has prepared him for the sword. Sirach 26:27. “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.”