13 Any wound but a wound of the heart!

Any wickedness but the wickedness of a woman!

14 Any calamity but a calamity from those who hate me!

Any vengeance but the vengeance of enemies!

15 There is no venom worse than a snake’s venom.

There is no wrath worse than an enemy’s wrath.

16 I would rather dwell with a lion and a dragon

than keep house with a wicked woman.

17 The wickedness of a woman changes her appearance,

and darkens her countenance like that of a bear.

18 Her husband will sit amongst his neighbours,

and when he hears it, he sighs bitterly.

19 All malice is small compared to the malice of a woman.

Let the portion of a sinner fall on her.

20 As walking up a sandy hill is to the feet of the aged,

so is a wife full of words to a quiet man.

21 Don’t be ensnared by a woman’s beauty.

Don’t desire a woman for her beauty.

22 There is anger, impudence, and great reproach

if a woman supports her husband.

23 A wicked woman is abasement of heart,

sadness of countenance, and a wounded heart.

A woman who won’t make her husband happy

is like hands that hang down, and weak knees.

24 The beginning of sin came from a woman.

Because of her, we all die.

25 Don’t give water an outlet,

and don’t give a wicked woman freedom of speech.

26 If she doesn’t go as you direct,

cut her away from your flesh.[fn]

26 Happy is the husband of a good wife.

The number of his days will be doubled.

2 A faithful wife gives joy to her husband.

He will fulfil his years in peace.

3 A good wife is a great gift.

She will be given to those who fear the master.

4 Whether a man is rich or poor,

a good heart makes a cheerful face at all times.

5 Of three things my heart was afraid,

and concerning the fourth[fn] kind I made supplication:

The slander of a city, the assembly of a mob, and a false accusation.

All these are more grievous than death.

6 A grief of heart and sorrow is a woman who is jealous of another woman.

Her tongue-lashing makes it known to all.

7 A wicked woman is like a chafing yoke.

He who takes hold of her is like one who grasps a scorpion.

8 A drunken woman causes great wrath.

She will not cover her own shame.

9 The fornication of a woman is in the lifting up of her eyes;

it will be known by her eyelids.

10 Keep strict watch on a headstrong daughter,

lest she find liberty for herself, and use it.

11 Watch out for an impudent eye,

and don’t be surprised if it sins against you.

12 She will open her mouth like a thirsty traveller,

and drink from every water that is near.

She will sit down at every post,

and open her quiver to any arrow.

13 The grace of a wife will delight her husband.

Her knowledge will strengthen[fn] his bones.

14 A silent woman is a gift of the master.

There is nothing worth so much as a well-instructed soul.

15 A modest woman is grace upon grace.

There are no scales that can weigh the value of a self-controlled soul.

16 As the sun when it arises in the highest places of the master,

so is the beauty of a good wife in her well-organised home.

17 As the lamp that shines upon the holy lampstand,

so is the beauty of the face on a well-proportioned body.

18 As the golden pillars are upon a base of silver,

so are beautiful feet with the breasts of one who is steadfast.19-27 [fn]