17. All the people immediately bowed down with their faces to the ground to worship their Lord, the Almighty, the Most High.
18. Then the choir began to sing his praises, and the beautiful music rang out.
19. The people kept praying to the merciful Lord Most High until the service of worship had come to a close.
20. Then Simon came down from the altar, raised his hands over the whole assembly of Israel, and reverently pronounced the blessing from the Lord,
21. while the people bowed a second time in worship to receive that blessing from the Most High.
22. Now then, give praise to the God of the universe, who has done great things everywhere, who brings us up from the time we are born, and deals with us mercifully.
23. May he give us happiness and allow us to have peace in Israel for ever.
24. May he continue his mercy to us and rescue us in our time of need.
25. There are two nations that I detest, and a third that does not even deserve to be called a nation.
26. These are the Edomites, the inhabitants of the Philistine cities, and the stupid Samaritans.
27. I, Jesus son of Sirach Eleazar of Jerusalem, put all my wisdom into writing this book to provide instruction and knowledge for others.
28. May God bless everyone who gives attention to these teachings. Whoever takes them to heart will become wise.
29. Whoever lives by them will be strong enough for any occasion, because he will be walking in the light of the Lord.