Sirach 50

KING JAMES BIBLE	DOUAI-RHEIMS
1 Simon the high priest, the son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house again, and in his days fortified the temple:	1 The memory of Josias is like the composition of a sweet smell made by the art of a perfumer:
2 And by him was built from the foundation the double height, the high fortress of the wall about the temple:	2 His remembrance shall be sweet as honey in every mouth, and as music at a banquet of wine.
3 In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, was covered with plates of brass:	3 He was directed by God unto the repentance of the nation, and he took away the abominations of wickedness.
4 He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and fortified the city against besieging:	4 And he directed his heart towards the Lord, and in the days of sinners he strengthened godliness.
5 How was he honoured in the midst of the people in his coming out of the sanctuary!	5 Except David, and Ezechias, and Josias, all committed sin.
6 He was as the morning star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full:	6 For the kings of Juda forsook the law of the most High, and despised the fear of God.
7 As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds:	7 So they gave their kingdom to others, and their glory to a strange nation.
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:	8 They burnt the chosen city of holiness, and made the streets thereof desolate according to the prediction of Jeremias.
9 As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious stones:	9 For they treated him evil, who was consecrated a prophet from his mother's womb, to overthrow, and pluck up, and destroy, and to build again, and renew.
10 And as a fair olive tree budding forth fruit, and as a cypress tree which groweth up to the clouds.	10 It was Ezechiel that saw the glorious vision, which was shewn him upon the chariot of cherubims.
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.	11 For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of rain, and of doing good to them that shewed right ways.
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.	12 And may the bones of the twelve prophets spring up out of their place: for they strengthened Jacob, and redeemed themselves by strong faith.
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.	13 How shall we magnify Zorobabel? for he was as a signet on the right hand;
14 And finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn the offering of the most high Almighty,	14 In like manner Jesus the son of Josedec? who in their days built the house, and set up a holy temple to the Lord, prepared for everlasting glory.
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.	15 And let Nehemias be a long time remembered, who raised up for us our walls that were cast down, and set up the gates and the bars, who rebuilt our houses.
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.	16 No man was born upon earth like Henoch: for he also was taken up from the earth.
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.	17 Nor as Joseph, who was a man born prince of his brethren, the support of his family, the ruler of his brethren, the stay of the people:
18 The singers also sang praises with their voices, with great variety of sounds was there made sweet melody.	18 And his bones were visited, and after death they prophesied.
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.	19 Seth and Sem obtained glory among men: and above every soul Adam in the beginning.
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.
21 And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time, that they might receive a blessing from the most High.
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.
23 He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel for ever:
24 That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time!
25 There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third is no nation:
26 They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, and they that dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.
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.
28 Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise.
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.