9
Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear:
10
O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.
11
But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?
12
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.
13
Give me any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:
14
And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.
15
There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy.
16
I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman.
17
The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth.
18
Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly.
19
All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.