An educated man knows many things: The Greek word translated educated is found in many manuscripts, but many others (as well as the Greek texts of both Rahlfs and Ziegler) read “well-traveled” (Good News Translation) or “who has traveled widely.” Although the textual evidence is neatly balanced here, we prefer “well-traveled” because it fits the immediate context better. The four lines in verses 9-10 then speak of “travel/experience/experience/travel.” The Greek word for man is the word that refers specifically to an adult male. What ben Sira says here applies to women as well, but in his day only men would have been either educated or well-traveled. So the word man can be justified, but using “person” instead is harmless and may be the wiser choice.

And one with much experience will speak with understanding: Good News Translation joins this line with the previous one, but translators who are using poetry may wish to keep the balance by saying:

• A person who has traveled widely has learned many things,
and because of his experience he will be able to speak with understanding.

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.