19 Children and the building of a city establish a name. A blameless wife is better than both. (WEB) 20 Wine and music rejoice the heart. The love of wisdom is better than both. (WEB) 21 The pipe and the lute make pleasant melody. A pleasant tongue is better than both. (WEB)
Sirach 40:19–21
Semantically similar passages
Sirach 32:5–7
5 As a ruby signet in a setting of gold, so is a music concert at a wine banquet. (WEB) 6 As an emerald signet in a work of gold, so is musical melody with pleasant wine. (WEB) 7 Speak, young man, if you are obliged to, but no more than twice, and only if asked. (WEB)
Sirach 7:18–20
18 Don’t exchange a friend for something, neither a true brother for the gold of Ophir. (WEB) 19 Don’t deprive yourself of a wise and good wife, for her grace is worth more than gold. (WEB) 20 Don’t abuse a servant who works faithfully, or a hireling who gives you his life. (WEB)
Ecclesiastes 7:4–6
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. 5 It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. 6 For like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of the fool.…
Proverbs 16:23–25
23 The heart of the wise man instructs his mouth and adds persuasiveness to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
Sirach 36:21–23
21 A woman will receive any man, but one daughter is better than another. (WEB) 22 The beauty of a woman cheers the countenance. A man desires nothing more. (WEB) 23 If kindness and humility are on her tongue, her husband is not like other sons of men. (WEB)
Proverbs 22:1–2
1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; favor is better than silver and gold. 2 The rich and the poor have this in common: The LORD is Maker of them all.
Sirach 26:12–14
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. (WEB) 13 The grace of a wife will delight her husband. Her knowledge will strengthen his bones. (WEB) 14 A silent woman i… (WEB)
Proverbs 8:10–12
10 Receive my instruction instead of silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. 11 For wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire compares with her. 12 I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion.
Search the collection All books and codes Translations and sources