Sir 50:1 
Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life 
repaired the house again, and in his days fortified the temple: 
 
Sir 50:2 
And by him was built from the foundation the double height, 
the high fortress of the wall about the temple: 
 
Sir 50:3 
In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as 
the sea, was covered with plates of brass: 
 
Sir 50:4 
He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and 
fortified the city against besieging: 
 
Sir 50:5 
How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming 
out of the sanctuary! 
 
Sir 50:6 
He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as 
the moon at the full: 
 
Sir 50:7 
As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as 
the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds: 
 
Sir 50:8 
And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as 
lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the 
frankincense tree in the time of summer: 
 
Sir 50:9 
As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten 
gold set with all manner of precious stones: 
 
Sir 50:10 
And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a 
cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds. 
 
Sir 50:11 
When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the 
perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made 
the garment of holiness honourable. 
 
Sir 50:12 
When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he 
himself stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed about, as a 
young cedar in Libanus; and as palm trees compassed they him 
round about. 
 
Sir 50:13 
So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the 
oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the 
congregation of Israel. 
 
Sir 50:14 
And finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn 
the offering of the most high Almighty, 
 
Sir 50:15 
He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood 
of the grape, he poured out at the foot of the altar a 
sweetsmelling savour unto the most high King of all. 
 
Sir 50:16 
Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and sounded the silver 
trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance 
before the most High. 
 
Sir 50:17 
Then all the people together hasted, and fell down to the 
earth upon their faces to worship their Lord God Almighty, the 
most High. 
 
Sir 50:18 
The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great 
variety of sounds was there made sweet melody. 
 
Sir 50:19 
And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer 
before him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was 
ended, and they had finished his service. 
 
Sir 50:20 
Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole 
congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of 
the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name. 
 
Sir 50:21 
And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time, 
that they might receive a blessing from the most High. 
 
Sir 50:22 
Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doeth 
wondrous things every where, which exalteth our days from the 
womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy. 
 
Sir 50:23 
He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our 
days in Israel for ever: 
 
Sir 50:24 
That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at 
his time! 
 
Sir 50:25 
There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and 
the third is no nation: 
 
Sir 50:26 
They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that 
dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell 
in Sichem. 
 
Sir 50:27 
Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this 
book the instruction of understanding and knowledge, who out of 
his heart poured forth wisdom. 
 
Sir 50:28 
Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he 
that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise. 
 
Sir 50:29 
For if he do them, he shall be strong to all things: for the 
light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly. 
Blessed be the name of the Lord for ever. Amen, Amen.