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Sirach 26, RSV

26:1 Happy is the husband of a good wife; the number of his days will be doubled.

26:2 A loyal wife rejoices her husband, and he will complete his years in peace.

26:3 A good wife is a great blessing; she will be granted among the blessings of the man who fears the Lord.

26:4 Whether rich or poor, his heart is glad, and at all times his face is cheerful.

26:5 Of three things my heart is afraid, and of a fourth I am frightened: The slander of a city, the gathering of a mob, and false accusation -- all these are worse than death.

26:6 There is grief of heart and sorrow when a wife is envious of a rival, and a tongue-lashing makes it known to all.

26:7 An evil wife is an ox yoke which chafes; taking hold of her is like grasping a scorpion.

26:8 There is great anger when a wife is drunken; she will not hide her shame.

26:9 A wife's harlotry shows in her lustful eyes, and she is known by her eyelids.

26:10 Keep strict watch over a headstrong daughter, lest, when she finds liberty, she use it to her hurt.

26:11 Be on guard against her impudent eye, and do not wonder if she sins against you.

26:12 As a thirsty wayfarer opens his mouth and drinks from any water near him, so will she sit in front of every post and open her quiver to the arrow.

26:13 A wife's charm delights her husband, and her skill puts fat on his bones.

26:14 A silent wife is a gift of the Lord, and there is nothing so precious as a disciplined soul.

26:15 A modest wife adds charm to charm, and no balance can weigh the value of a chaste soul.

26:16 Like the sun rising in the heights of the Lord, so is the beauty of a good wife in her well-ordered home.

26:17 Like the shining lamp on the holy lampstand, so is a beautiful face on a stately figure.

26:18 Like pillars of gold on a base of silver, so are beautiful feet with a steadfast heart.

26:28 At two things my heart is grieved, and because of a third anger comes over me: a warrior in want through poverty, and intelligent men who are treated contemptuously; a man who turns back from righteousness to sin -- the Lord will prepare him for the sword!

26:29 A merchant can hardly keep from wrongdoing, and a tradesman will not be declared innocent of sin.

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