Whatever you deal out, let it be by number and weight: This refers to any business deal in which you give someone money or goods that is not a gift; it may be an investment, a loan, or something given for safekeeping. Count what you give out; weigh it. This of course is to prevent misunderstanding later on. Good News Translation says “Keep an accurate record of any deposits you make.” Contemporary English Version is clearer with “If you leave valuable items with someone for safekeeping, be sure to get a receipt.”

And make a record of all that you give out or take in: New Revised Standard Version is more literal, saying “and when you give or receive, put it all in writing.” “Keep an accurate record” in Good News Translation refers to both lines of this verse. “An accurate record” implies writing.

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.