New American Bible, Revised Edition

Ben Sira 25:13-26 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

13. Any wound, but not a wound of the heart!Any wickedness, but not the wickedness of a woman!

14. Any suffering, but not suffering from one’s foes!Any vengeance, but not the vengeance of one’s enemies!

15. There is no poison worse than that of a serpent,no venom greater than that of a woman.

16. I would rather live with a dragon or a lionthan live with a wicked woman.

17. A woman’s wicked disposition changes her appearance,and makes her face as dark as a bear.

18. When her husband sits among his neighbors,a bitter sigh escapes him unawares.

19. There is hardly an evil like that in a woman;may she fall to the lot of the sinner!

20. Like a sandy hill to aged feetis a garrulous wife to a quiet husband.

21. Do not be enticed by a woman’s beauty,or be greedy for her wealth.

22. Harsh is the slavery and great the shamewhen a wife supports her husband.

23. Depressed mind, gloomy face,and a wounded heart—a wicked woman.Drooping hands and quaking knees,any wife who does not make her husband happy.

24. With a woman sin had a beginning,and because of her we all die.

25. Allow water no outlet,and no boldness of speech to a wicked woman.

26. If she does not go along as you direct,cut her away from you.