Ben Sira 25:1-8

1 In three things I was glorified, and stood up beautiful both before God and men: the unity of brethren, the love of neighbors, a man and a wife that agree together.
2 Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doteth.
3 If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou find anything in thine age?
4 O how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs, and for aged men to know counsel!
5 O how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honor!
6 Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.
7 There are nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: a man that hath joy in his children; and he that liveth to see the fall of his enemy;
8 well is he that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath not slipped with his tongue, and that hath not served a man more unworthy than himself;
Third Millennium Bible (TMB), New Authorized Version, Copyright 1998 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc., Gary, SD 57237. All rights reserved.