Sirach 26:5-7

Common English Bible

⁵ My heart was cautious about three things,
        and I was fearful
        in the face of a fourth—
    slander in a city,
    the gathering of a mob,
    and a false accusation—
        all of these are more miserable
        than death.
⁶ Women who are rivals
bring heartache and grief,
    and a tongue-lashing shares it
    with everyone.
⁷ A wicked wife is like a chafing ox yoke;
    the one who holds her
    is like one who grasps a scorpion.