This section starts with a numerical proverb. It lists three sins related to sexual misconduct: uncontrolled passion, incest, and fornication, while warning about their consequences. Among these sins, it emphasizes adultery, distinguishing between that of the husband (verses 18-21), criticizing the deceitful attitude of the adulterer who does not fear God’s punishment but hides from human eyes, “as if the eyes of God did not shine a thousand times brighter than the sun” (19). This highlights that, ultimately, one must answer to God for sin. The focus then shifts to female adultery. The law of Israel was strict and severe, and the author was familiar with it (cf. Lv 20:10; Dt 22:22-24; Jn 7:53-8:11). Ben Sirach emphasizes the curse that rests on the woman, especially on the children born of such relationships. This diverges from the teachings of Jeremiah and, even more so, Ezekiel, who had already reexamined the idea that the punishment for the sins of the fathers affects their children (cf. Jer 31:29ff; Ezk 18). Similar ideas are still present in the New Testament (cf. Jn 9:2). Ultimately, all of this could be avoided if the Law of the Lord were followed faithfully (27).