A sinful man will shun reproof: New English Bible offers a good model here, saying “A sinner will not accept criticism.”

And will find a decision according to his liking: This verse gives the following picture: A sinner wants to do something, but the Law of Moses seems to rule against it. But he is not satisfied (he will not accept criticism). He will find some interpretation of the law in question that he can live with, or that will justify what he wants to do. An alternative model we suggest for this verse is:

• Sinners are not satisfied when the Law forbids their actions; they will hunt for an interpretation that allows them to do what they like.

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.