Ben Sira 40:19

19 Your name can be preserved if you have children or if you establish a city, but finding Wisdom is a better way. Owning livestock and orchards will make you famous, but it is better to have a wife you love.

Ben Sira 40:19 In-Context

17 Acts of kindness and charity are as lasting as eternity.

18 Being independently wealthy or working for a living - both can make life pleasant, but it is better to find a treasure.

19 Your name can be preserved if you have children or if you establish a city, but finding Wisdom is a better way. Owning livestock and orchards will make you famous, but it is better to have a wife you love.

20 Wine and music can make you happy, but a happy marriage is even better.

21 Flutes and harps make fine music, but a pleasant voice is better than either.

Footnotes

• [a] [Hebrew] but finding Wisdom . . . famous; [Greek does not have these words.]
• [b] [Hebrew] wife you love; [Greek] blameless wife.