Sirach 26:5-12

Common English Bible

⁵ My heart was cautious about three things,
        and I was fearful
        in the face of a fourth—
    slander in a city,
    the gathering of a mob,
    and a false accusation—
        all of these are more miserable
        than death.
⁶ Women who are rivals
bring heartache and grief,
    and a tongue-lashing shares it
    with everyone.
⁷ A wicked wife is like a chafing ox yoke;
    the one who holds her
    is like one who grasps a scorpion.
⁸ A drunken wife is the same as rage;
    she won’t hide her disgraceful conduct.
⁹ A wife’s promiscuity is seen
in the arrogance of her eyes,
    and her eyelids make it known.

¹⁰ Keep a strict watch
over a disobedient daughter,
    or else, if she finds you off guard,
    she will take advantage of it.
¹¹ Beware of her shameless eye,
    and don’t be surprised
    if she wrongs you.
¹² Just as thirsty travelers
will open their mouths
    and drink from water that is near,
    she will sit in front of every peg,
        and she will open her quiver
        to an arrow.