Fences set on a high place will not stand firm against the wind: Here the problem is the Greek word translated Fences. Some manuscripts (and Rahlfs’ text) can be read this way, but others (and Ziegler’s text) read “pebbles, small rocks.” The word used in the manuscripts followed by Rahlfs does not actually mean fences; the word refers to pointed poles or stakes that could be placed in the ground to form a protective barrier, technically called a “palisade” rather than a fence. Such a structure, however, would not be particularly affected by high wind since it does not present a broad surface for the wind to strike against. We believe that scholars are right who think this reading is an attempt at “correction” by ancient scribes who did not understand why “small rocks” should be mentioned. The usual explanation sounds reasonable. It is said that small rocks were placed on top of walls surrounding vineyards and gardens; animals coming over the wall to raid the garden would rattle the rocks, and the sound would alert the people guarding the property. We strongly suggest following Good News Translation (also Contemporary English Version). The image of the small rocks fits the context better. Whatever is meant, it is being compared to a person who is timid. This person might be compared to a little pebble, but not to a pole forming part of a fence line; and a single pole could be substantial enough to do damage if a person or animal fell on it. The people ben Sira is talking about are more like the pebbles; they just get tossed aside. That’s all they are good for. The footnote in Good News Translation is desirable, but optional. (The Greek phrase translated on a high place in Revised Standard Version is rendered “on top of a wall” or “on top of a hill” in Good News Translation to fit with the translations “Small stones” and “fence.” The Greek is not specific.)

So a timid heart with a fool’s purpose will not stand firm against any fear: The Greek grammar of the phrase rendered a timid heart with a fool’s purpose may be understood two ways. (1) It may be taken as in Revised Standard Version and An American Translation, which reads “a cowardly heart with foolish thoughts.” In these versions the phrase with a fool’s purpose is taken to modify heart. (2) It may be taken as in Good News Translation and New Jerusalem Bible, which reads “the heart of a fool frightened at his own thoughts.” In these versions the phrase with a fool’s purpose is taken to modify timid. We believe the latter understanding is probably correct, but we think the whole line has this meaning: “A person who is scared by any stupid idea that appears will not be able to stand up to situations that really are frightening.” This contrasts neatly with the “mind settled on an intelligent thought” of the previous verse.

This verse is probably going to work better if the lines are reversed as follows:

• People who are scared by stupid ideas cannot stand up to real fears. They are like small rocks on top of a wall, which will not stay in place when the wind blows.

Some translators may want to use a cultural note to explain the presence of rocks on a wall. As an alternative, the necessary information can be built into the translation by saying:

• People who are scared by stupid ideas cannot stand up to real fears. They are like the small rocks that farmers put on top of garden walls to warn them when animals are trying to climb into the garden; they will not stay in place when the wind blows.

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.