This verse begins the hymn, which will extend through verse 31. Revised Standard Version interprets this verse alone as the hymn; see the comments at the beginning of this section.

All things are the works of the Lord, for they are very good: Good News Translation has a simpler reading of the grammar here, saying “All that the Lord has done is very good.” The line could also be translated “All that the Lord has made is very good” or “The Lord has made only good things,” and these models may be better. In verse 33a ben Sira will refer back to this line, and in that context it is clear that he means what the Lord has made.

And whatever he commands will be done in his time: Instead of in his time, “in its time” is equally possible. Good News Translation interprets this to mean “sooner or later.” We could also take it to mean “at the proper time,” “at the right moment” (Contemporary English Version), or “at the time he chooses.” Translators may choose any of these, but the Handbook prefers “at the proper [or, right] time.” See the reference back to this line in verse 34b. Another possible model for this line is “and his commands are obeyed at the proper time.”

Good News Translation has translated verses 16a and 33a inconsistently, also verses 16b and 34b. This obscures what the author is trying to do in verses 32-35.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• All that the Lord has made is very good;
and his commands are obeyed at the proper time.

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.