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19 Children and the building of a city establish one’s name,
    but better than either is one who finds wisdom.
Cattle and orchards make one prosperous;[a]
    but a blameless wife is accounted better than either.
20 Wine and music gladden the heart,
    but the love of friends[b] is better than either.
21 The flute and the harp make sweet melody,
    but a pleasant voice is better than either.

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Footnotes

  1. Sirach 40:19 Heb Syr: Gk lacks but better . . . prosperous
  2. Sirach 40:20 Heb: Gk wisdom

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