Translators presenting this section as poetry would do well to put a space between verses 12 and l3, to indicate the development of a new idea. Those translating it as prose should put a paragraph break here.

I grew tall like a cedar in Lebanon: The cedar tree is an evergreen tree that has beautiful and durable wood. Cedars grew in the land of Lebanon to the north of Palestine; they were symbols of majesty and towering strength.

And like a cypress on the heights of Hermon: The cypress tree is a large evergreen tree that produces an exceptionally long-lasting wood. Cypresses grow up to 25 meters (80 feet), and were thought of as tall trees. Compare 50.10. Hermon is a mountain in the northwest part of Palestine. It is high enough to be seen at great distances.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.