Set him to work, as is fitting for him: Good News Translation “Work is what he needs” lends a sarcastic tone to the line, which is appropriate here. Revised English Bible is less sarcastic than harsh, saying “Give him work to do, for that is what he is for.” New Jerusalem Bible is more straightforward with “Keep him at his duties, where he should be.” All in all, we prefer Revised English Bible‘s approach, and would suggest “Give him work to do; that’s what slaves are for” or “Slaves are supposed to work, so give them something to do” (Contemporary English Version).

And if he does not obey, make his fetters heavy: Good News Translation omits the idea of heavy. We could say “If he won’t obey you, put him in heavy chains” or “… load him down with chains.”

We need a paragraph break at this point, as in Good News Translation. For some reason ben Sira softens his thoughts here about treating slaves.

Do not act immoderately toward anybody: Good News Translation‘s introductory “But” helps signal the reader that the author is about to shift his thought. Good News Translation “don’t be too severe with anyone” is closer to the Greek than Revised Standard Version. In the context it might be even better to say “But don’t demand too much of any human being.” Anybody is literally “any flesh,” so this advice could apply equally well to the donkey of verse 24, but it’s best to say “any human being” here.

And do nothing without discretion: Revised Standard Version misinterprets the Greek noun it translates discretion. New Revised Standard Version says simply “and do nothing unjust,” which is much better. Good News Translation “and never be unfair” and Contemporary English Version “But always be fair” are also good.

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.