Like pillars of gold on a base of silver: Good News Translation takes this to refer to the lampstand of verse 17; according to Exo 25.31-39, however, the whole lampstand was gold, with no silver. Probably pillars refers to the wooden pillars/posts (Contemporary English Version “columns”) in the Tabernacle (and probably the Temple), which were covered with gold and set in a silver base. See Exo 26.32. Compare Song 5.15.

So are beautiful feet with a steadfast heart: With a steadfast heart is translating Greek manuscripts (and Rahlfs’ text) which read “breasts of a steadfast woman” (see the Good News Translation footnote). Good News Translation “strong ankles” is translating other manuscripts (and Ziegler’s text) which read “steadfast heels.” In Greek there is a difference of only one letter. Almost certainly “heels” is correct (the whole line of the other text is literally “and beautiful feet on steadfast breasts,” turning the poor woman upside down), and the Handbook suggests that no footnote is needed. Since in Hebrew the word for “foot” may also be translated “leg,” we are free to translate “feet” or “legs” here. “Legs” is more likely since they are supported by the heels, or ankles. Good News Translation “her shapely legs and strong ankles” is a good rendering for this line. So is New English Bible “a shapely leg with a firm foot” and Contemporary English Version “shapely legs with firm feet.”

In this verse the author is praising both beauty and strength in the good wife. An alternative model that reverses the lines is:

• Her shapely legs and strong ankles are like the Temple pillars, made of gold and set in silver.

Contemporary English Version also reverses the lines, saying:

• and shapely legs with firm feet
are like golden columns
resting on silver bases.

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.