16 I would rather dwell with a lion and a dragon,

Than nkeep house withn a wicked woman.

HC 17 The wickedness of a woman nnmaketh blacknn her looko,

And darkeneth her countenance like that of a bearoo.

18 In the midst of his friends her husband sitteth,

And involuntarilyp he sigheth bitterlyq.

HC 19 (There is but) little malice like the malice of a woman,

May the lot of the wicked fall upon her!

20 rAsrr a sandy ascent to the feet of the aged,

So is a woman of tongue to a quiet manr.

21 Fall nots because of the beauty of woman,

ssAnd tbe not ensnaredt for the sake of what she possessethss;

22 For tthard slaverytt and a disgrace it is,

(If) a wife support her husband.

G 23 uA humbled heart and a sad countenance,

uuAnd a heart-wound, is an evil wifeu.

HC Hands that hang down, and palsied knees,

(Thus shall it be with) a wife that maketh not happy her husband.

24 From a woman did sin originate,

And because of her vwe all must diev.

G 25 vvGive not water an outlet,

Nor to a wicked woman powerx.

26 If she go not xxas thou wouldst have herxx,

Cut her off from thy fleshvv y.

(g) 26:1–4. The happiness of the man who has a good wife

(= 2 + 2 distichs).