Old Testament

New Testament

Ben Sira 42:3-14 New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)

3. Of sharing the expenses of a business or a journey,of dividing an inheritance or property;

4. Of accuracy of scales and balances,of tested measures and weights;Of acquiring much or little,

5. of bargaining in dealing with a merchant;Of constant training of children,of beating the sides of a wicked servant;

6. Of a seal to keep a foolish wife at home,of a key where there are many hands;

7. Of numbering every deposit,of recording all that is taken in and given out;

8. Of chastisement for the silly and the foolish,for the aged and infirm answering for wanton conduct.Thus you will be truly refinedand recognized by all as discreet.

9. A daughter is a treasure that keeps her father wakeful,and worry over her drives away sleep:Lest in her youth she remain unmarried,or when she is married, lest she be childless;

10. While unmarried, lest she be defiled,or in her husband’s house, lest she prove unfaithful;Lest she become pregnant in her father’s house,or be sterile in that of her husband.

11. My son, keep a close watch on your daughter,lest she make you a laughingstock for your enemies,A byword in the city and the assembly of the people,an object of derision in public gatherings.See that there is no lattice in her room,or spot that overlooks the approaches to the house.

12. Do not let her reveal her beauty to any male,or spend her time with married women;

13. For just as moths come from garments,so a woman’s wickedness comes from a woman.

14. Better a man’s harshness than a woman’s indulgence,a frightened daughter than any disgrace.

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