Ben Sira 40:23

23 You can't go wrong with a good friend or neighbor, but an intelligent wife is better than either.

Ben Sira 40:23 In-Context

21 Flutes and harps make fine music, but a pleasant voice is better than either.
22 Gracefulness and beauty please the eye, but not as much as new growth in the spring.
23 You can't go wrong with a good friend or neighbor, but an intelligent wife is better than either.
24 Relatives and helpers are good to have in times of trouble, but it will be an even greater help if you have made a practice of giving to the poor.
25 Gold and silver provide security, but good advice is better.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. [Hebrew] an intelligent wife is; [Greek] a wife and a husband are.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.