For the Lord has made all things: The connector For may be omitted since it does not connect this verse with the previous one. Good News Translation “the universe” is a possible translation for all things. Compare 18.1. For this line we could also say “The Lord created everything that exists.”

And to the godly he has granted wisdom may be rendered “It is he that gave devout people [or, people that worship him] the gift of wisdom.” This mention of wise people prepares the reader for the next section, in which ben Sira turns from praising God as he is seen in nature to the praise of some of Israel’s great historical figures.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• The Lord created everything that exists.
It is he who gave [the gift of] wisdom to the people who worship him.

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.