Be not a hypocrite in men’s sight: The Revised Standard Version textual footnote advises us that the Greek reads “in the mouths of men” rather than in men’s sight. There is all but universal agreement that this is an error, one that could have originated in the Hebrew or in the Greek. It has been explained both ways, but either way, the outcome is the same. Versions more recent than Revised Standard Version do not think a footnote is called for and the Handbook does not recommend one. To be a hypocrite is to pretend to be better or more religious or more righteous than you actually are. Not to be a hypocrite in men’s sight means not giving people reason to think of you as a hypocrite. Good News Translation reduces this to “don’t be a hypocrite.” This misses something; what people think of you is important to ben Sira. It involves your honor, your reputation. This would be better expressed as “don’t let people think of you as a hypocrite,” “don’t get a reputation as a hypocrite,” or even “don’t give people any reason to think of you as a hypocrite.”

And keep watch over your lips means exactly what Good News Translation says: “Be careful about what you say.” Good News Translation quite sensibly places this clause first since it is the more general statement. The warning against hypocrisy is more specific.

Alternative models for this verse are:

• Be careful about what you say, and never give anyone cause to doubt your sincerity.

• Others are watching you, so be careful—don’t give people any reason to think of you as a hypocrite.

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.