The greater you are, the more you must humble yourself: The greater you are refers to great or high status in society. So we may translate “The higher your status becomes.” In English the verb humble is better expressed as an adjective; for example, the second clause may be translated “the humbler you must be” (New English Bible), “the more humble you should be” (Good News Translation), and “the more humbly you should behave” (New Jerusalem Bible). Of these renderings, New Jerusalem Bible provides the best model. But in some languages this will be rendered as a verbal expression; for example, “the more you must lower [or, humble] your heart.”

So you will find favor in the sight of the Lord: This simply means “then the Lord will be pleased with you” (Good News Translation). An alternative way to express it is “This is the way to please the Lord.” Compare Matt 20.26-28; 23.12.

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• The higher your status becomes, the more you must humble your heart. This is the way to please the Lord.

Some manuscripts add verse 19. It should be included in a footnote at the end of verse 18 (so Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation).

Many are lofty and renowned, but to the meek he reveals his secrets: Here is a possible alternative model:

• There are many famous and distinguished people, but the Lord reveals his secrets to those who are humble.

This verse exists in Hebrew as well as some Greek manuscripts, and the Good News Translation footnote translates the Hebrew text as well. The Handbook suggests that the Hebrew text be ignored here.

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.