The Wisdom of Jesus the Son of Sirach, or Ecclesiasticus 25

1In three things I was beautified, 2But three sorts of men my soul hates, And an old man that is an adulterer lacking understanding. 3In your youth you have not gathered, 4How beautiful a thing is judgement for gray hairs, 5How beautiful is the wisdom of old men, 6Much experience is the crown of old men; 7There be nine things that I have thought of, and in my heart counted happy; 8Happy is he that dwells with a wife of understanding; 9Happy is he that has found prudence; 10How great is he that has found wisdom! 11The fear of the Lord passes all things: 12Verse 12 is omitted by the best authorities. 13Give me any plague but the plague of the heart; 14Any calamity, but a calamity from those who hate me; 15There is no head above the head of a serpent; 16I will rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, 17The wickedness of a woman changes her look, 18Her husband will sit at meat among his neighbors, 19All malice is but little to the malice of a woman: 20As the going up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, 21Throw not yourself upon the beauty of a woman; 22There is anger, and impudence, and great reproach, 23A wicked woman is abasement of heart, as hands that hang down, and palsied knees. 24From a woman was the beginning of sin; 25Give not water an outlet; 26If she go not as you would have her, Gr. according to your hand. The remainder of this verse is omitted by the best authorities.