Shirach — 26

The Joy of a Good Wife

1 Happy is the husband of a good wife; the number of his days will be doubled.

2 A loyal wife rejoices her husband, and he will complete his years in Shalum.

3 A good wife is a great Barakah; she will be granted among the Barakah of the man who fears 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.

4 Whether rich or poor, his heart is glad, and at all times his face is cheerful.

The Worst of Evils: A Wicked Wife

5 Of three things my heart is afraid, and of a fourth I am frightened: The slander of a city, the gathering of a mob, and false accusation, all these are worse than death.

6 There is grief of heart and sorrow when a wife is envious of a rival and a tongue-lashing makes it known to all.

7 An evil wife is an ox yoke which chafes; taking hold of her is like grasping a scorpion.

8 There is great anger when a wife is drunken; she will not hide her shame.

9 A wife’s harlotry shows in her lustful eyes, and she is known by her eyelids.

10 Keep strict watch over a headstrong daughter, lest, when she finds liberty, she use it to her hurt.

11 Be on guard against her impudent eye, and do not wonder if she sins against you.

12 As a thirsty wayfarer opens his mouth    and drinks from any water near him, so will she sit in front of every post and open her quiver to the arrow.

The Barakah of a Good Wife

13 A wife’s charm delights her husband, and her skill puts fat on his bones.

14 A silent wife is a gift of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH, and there is nothing so precious as a disciplined soul.

15 A modest wife adds charm to charm, and no balance can weigh the value of a chaste soul.

16 Like the sun rising in the heights of 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH, so is the beauty of a good wife in her well-ordered home.

17 Like the shining lamp on the Qadash lampstand, so is a beautiful face on a stately figure.

18 Like pillars of gold on a base of silver, so are beautiful feet with a steadfast heart.

19 My son, keep the flower of your age sound; and give not your strength to strangers.

20 When you have gotten a fruitful possession through all the field, sow it with your own seed, trusting in the goodness of your stock.

21 So your race which you leave shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.

22 A harlot shall be accounted as spittle; but a married woman is a tower against death to her man.

23 A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a righteous woman is given to him that fears 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.  

24 A dishonest woman contemns shame: but an honest woman will reverence her man.

25 A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog; but she that is shamefaced will fear 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH.

26 A woman that honors her man shall be judged wise of all; but she that dishonors him in her pride shall be counted wicked of all.

27 A loud crying woman and a scold shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.

Three Depressing Things

28 There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third makes me angry: a man of war that suffers poverty; and men of understanding that are not set by; and one that returns from righteousness to sin; for 𐤉𐤄𐤅𐤄_YAHUAH prepares such one for the sword.

The Temptations of Commerce

29 A merchant can hardly keep from wrongdoing, and a tradesman will not be declared innocent of sin.