Do not refrain from speaking at the crucial time: Instead of at the crucial time, the Greek manuscripts here have “at a time of salvation” (see the Revised Standard Version footnote). This is almost surely an error for “in time of need,” a phrase that occurs three more times in this book, at 8.9; 29.2 and 40.7. (The Greek word for “salvation,” when abbreviated as it often was in Greek manuscripts, closely resembles the word for “need.”) The writer is continuing to urge his readers not to let false modesty keep them from speaking out when there is a need for it; compare 4.9, and Pro 15.23; Eccl 3.7. Good News Translation provides a good model, as does its footnote (“safety” is another way of translating the Greek word that Revised Standard Version renders “salvation” in its footnote). Contemporary English Version is also helpful with “If you can make things right by speaking up, then do so.”

And do not hide your wisdom: This continues the line of thought of the previous line. There is no point in being wise if it is not going to do anyone any good. Modesty is a good quality, but don’t be so modest that you don’t offer your opinion when it will be helpful. This is a textually difficult line, and most Greek manuscripts omit it. We suggest including it, however, with a footnote such as found in Good News Translation, explaining that this is the Hebrew reading. Most other Greek manuscripts read “and do not hide your wisdom for beauty,” which Good News Translation bravely interprets as “Don’t hide your wisdom for the sake of appearances.” We strongly suggest omitting this complication, and limiting the footnote to “Hebrew Don’t hide your wisdom; most Greek manuscripts do not have these words.”

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.