Common English Bible

Sirach 26:14-24 Common English Bible (CEB)

14. A silent wife is a gift from the Lord,and nothing can be tradedfor her self-discipline.

15. A modest wife adds charm upon charm,and there is no balance that can weighthe full value of her self-control.

16. As the sun rising in the Lord’shigh heavens,so is the beauty of a good wifein her well-ordered home.

17. As a lamp shines on the holy lampstand,so also is a beautiful facealong with steady maturity.

18. Like gold pillars upon a silver base,so also are shapely legson steadfast feet.

19. My child, keep the vitalityof your prime of life safe and sound,and don’t give your strengthover to strangers.

20. After you have chosen a fertile plotout of every field,sow your own seed,being confident of yourexcellent descent.

21. Thus your offspring who surround youand who have confidencein their excellent descent,will become great.

22. A hired woman will be consideredthe same as spit,but a married woman will be considered a tower of death to those who associate too closely with her.

23. An ungodly woman will be bestowedon a lawless man as his portion,but a godly woman is grantedto the man who fears the Lord.

24. A shameless woman will always bein disgrace,but a dignified daughter will show modesty even with her husband.