Ben Sira 25:16-25

16 I would rather live with a lion and a dragon than live with an evil woman.
17 A woman's wickedness changes her appearance, and darkens her face like that of a bear.
18 Her husband sits among the neighbors, and he cannot help sighing bitterly.
19 Any iniquity is small compared to a woman's iniquity; may a sinner's lot befall her!
20 A sandy ascent for the feet of the aged— such is a garrulous wife to a quiet husband.
21 Do not be ensnared by a woman's beauty, and do not desire a woman for her possessions.
22 There is wrath and impudence and great disgrace when a wife supports her husband.
23 Dejected mind, gloomy face, and wounded heart come from an evil wife. Drooping hands and weak knees come from the wife who does not make her husband happy.
24 From a woman sin had its beginning, and because of her we all die.
25 Allow no outlet to water, and no boldness of speech to an evil wife.

Footnotes 3

  • [a]. Heb Syr: Gk [loses heart]
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities read [and listening he sighs]
  • [c]. Heb Syr: Other Gk authorities read [for her beauty]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.