Chapter 26

The praises of a good woman. ℣.5 The betraying of a city, mutiny of people, and false accusation are terrible, but a jealous woman is more grievous. ℣.10 Diverse ill qualities of a bad woman. ℣.16 More commendations of a good woman. ℣.25 A doleful thing to see a valiant warrior wanting livelihood, a wise man not regarded, and greatest grief to see a just man become wicked. ℣.28 A man full of business hardly careth for his soul: and an Inn-keeper often sinneth in words.

1. 1

   The husband of a good wife is happy: for the number of his years is double. strong woman delighteth her husband,

2. 2

   A and shall accomplish the years of his life in peace.

3. 3

   A good woman is a good portion, in the good portion of them that fear God shall she be given to a man for good deeds:

4. 4

   And the heart of rich and poor is good, at all time their countenance is merry.

5. 5

   Of three things my heart hath been afraid, and at the fourth my face hath trembled:

6. 6

   The betraying of a city, and a gathering together of the people:

7. 7

   false calumny, all more grievous than death.

8. 8

   A jealous woman is the sorrow and mourning of the heart.

9. 9

   In a jealous woman is a scourge of the tongue, communicating with all.

10. 10

    As a yoke of oxen that is moved, so also a wicked woman: he that holdeth her, is as he that taketh hold of a scorpion.

11. 11

    A woman given to drunkenness is great anger: & her contumely and turpitude shall not be hid.

12. 12

    The fornication of a woman shall be known in the lifting up of her eyes, and in her eye-lids.

13. 13

    On thy daughter that turneth not away her self, set sure watch: lest occasion found she abuse herself.

14. 14

    Take heed of the impudency of her eyes, and marvel not if she contemn thee.

15. 15

    As a wayfaring man that thirsteth, will she open her mouth to the fountain, and will drink of every water that is next, & will sit against every hedge, and open her quiver against every arrow, until she fail.

16. 16

    The grace of a diligent woman shall delight her husband, and shall fat his bones.

17. 17

    Her discipline is the gift of God.

18. 18

    A wise and still woman, there is no exchange for a soul instructed.

19. 19

    A holy, and shamefast woman, is grace upon grace.

20. 20

    And all weight is not worthy a continent soul.

21. 21

    As the sun rising to the world in the highest places of God, so is the beauty of a good woman for an ornament of her house.

22. 22

    A lamp shining upon the holy candlestick, & the beauty of the face upon stayed age.

23. 23

    Pillars of gold upon feet of silver, and stable feet upon the soles of a stayed woman.

24. 24

    Eternal foundations upon a sound rock, and the commandments of God in the heart of a holy woman.

25. 25

    At two things my heart is grieved, and at the third anger is come upon me:

26. 26

    A man of war decaying by poverty: and a wise man contemned:

27. 27

    and he that transgresseth from justice to sin, God hath prepared him to the sword.

28. 28

    Two sorts have appeared unto me hard and dangerous, a merchant is hardly rid of negligence: and a viteler shall not be justified from the sins of the lips.