Sirach 25:9-21

1. 9 Well is him that hath found prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear:

2. 10 O how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.

3. 11 But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, whereto shall he be likened?

4. 12 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.

5. 13 [Give me] any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:

6. 14 And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.

7. 15 There is no head above the head of a serpent; and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy.

8. 16 I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman.

9. 17 The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth her countenance like sackcloth.

10. 18 Her husband shall sit among his neighbours; and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly.

11. 19 All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman: let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.

12. 20 As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.

13. 21 Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure.

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