Do not argue with a chatterer: The words Do not argue with translate the same Greek phrase rendered “Do not contend with” in verse 1. While “challenge” fits the context well there, argue fits better here. In verse 1 ben Sira is concerned with an argument where power and influence are used as weapons. Here words are being used; this is simply an argument. And there is no point in arguing with “someone who talks too much” (Good News Translation; similarly Contemporary English Version), because anything you say subjects you to his strategy of outtalking you. A chatterer is someone who keeps on talking but never listens to anyone else.

Nor heap wood on his fire: Good News Translation “adding fuel to his fire” is an English idiom for giving your opponent more ammunition to use against you. Contemporary English Version changes the metaphor to a simile by rendering the whole verse as follows:

• And arguing with those
who talk too much
is like piling more wood
on a fire.

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.