If they multiply, do not rejoice in them, unless the fear of the Lord is in them: If they multiply may refer to the children having children, but it more likely means having many children of one’s own, so Good News Translation says “No matter how many children you have.” The fear of the Lord refers to the proper honor and reverence due to the Lord.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• Lots of children should cause you to be joyful only if they truly honor the Lord.

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.