Sirach 37

1 As the climbing of a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of tongue to a quiet man. 2 Look not upon a woman’s beauty, and desire not a woman for beauty. 3 A woman’s anger, and impudence, and confusion is great. 4 A woman, if she have superiority, is contrary to her husband. 5 A wicked woman abateth the courage, and maketh a heavy countenance, and a wounded heart. 6 Feeble hands, and disjointed knees, a woman that doth not make her husband happy. 7 From the woman came the beginning of sin, and by her we all die. 8 Give no issue to thy water, no, not a little: nor to a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad. 9 If she walk not at thy hand, she will confound thee in the sight of thy enemies. 10 Cut her off from thy flesh, lest she always abuse thee. 12 Happy is the husband of a good wife: for the number of his years is double. 13 A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and shall fulfil the years of his life in peace. 14 A good wife is a good portion, she shall be given in the portion of them that fear God, to a man for his good deeds. 15 Rich or poor, if his heart is good, his countenance shall be cheerful at all times. 16 Of three things my heart hath been afraid, and at the fourth my face hath trembled: 17 The accusation of a city, and the gathering together of the people: 18 And a false calumny, all are more grievous than death. 19 A jealous woman is the grief and mourning of the heart. 20 With a jealous woman is a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all. 21 As a yoke of oxen that is moved to and fro, so also is a wicked woman: he that hath hold of her, is as he that taketh hold of a scorpion. 22 A drunken woman is a great wrath: and her reproach and shame shall not be hid. 23 The fornication of a woman shall be known by the haughtiness of her eyes and by her eyelids. 24 On a daughter that turneth not away herself, set a strict watch: lest finding an opportunity she abuse herself. 25 Take heed of the impudence of her eyes, and wonder not if she slight thee. 26 She will open her mouth as a thirsty traveller to the fountain, and will drink of every water near her, and will sit down by every hedge, and open her quiver against every arrow, until she fail. 27 The grace of a diligent woman shall delight her husband, and shall fat his bones. 28 Her discipline is the gift of God. 29 Such is a wise and silent woman, and there is nothing so much worth as a well instructed soul. 30 A holy and shamefaced woman is grace upon grace. 31 And no price is worthy of a continent soul.