It is good to conceal: In some languages translators must use the equivalent of a command here; for example, “You should never reveal….”

The secret of a king: The idea is that if you are in possession of a state secret (classified information), it’s smart to keep quiet. This has to do with the secret (“mystery” is the Greek word) of an earthly king. It is appropriate, however, to acknowledge, that is, make widely known the works of God (“mystery” in another sense).

With fitting honor may be rendered “so that he may be praised and honored” (Good News Translation) or “so that people may praise and honor him.”

Do good and evil will not overtake you; that is, “If you do good, nothing bad will happen to you.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Tobit. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.