Blessed is the rich man who is found blameless, and who does not go after gold: For Blessed see the comments at 14.1. Here is found means “is.” Blameless refers to having become rich without using sinful means. Instead of who is found blameless, Contemporary English Version says “who do only what is right.” Go after gold must refer to something other than an effort to get money; few people ever get rich without trying. Revised English Bible gives a good clue with “have not let gold become their guide.” Other possible renderings for this verse are:

• A person who gets rich without sinning, without letting money be his guide through life [or, without letting money determine every move he makes] is fortunate.

• It is a fortunate person who….

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.