Do not praise a man for his good looks: Although the Greek uses the word here that means specifically man, translators should make the language inclusive; for example, “person” (Good News Translation) or “anyone” (Contemporary English Version). In fact, the Hebrew is inclusive. Translating this line may involve cultural problems since different societies have different notions of what may be properly said to a person about his or her good looks. We simply have to recognize that ben Sira was speaking in his own social context. In that context it was apparently acceptable to compliment people on their looks, but ben Sira advises against it. Good News Translation may go astray with the verb “compliment.” It would be better to say praise since it implies saying more than would be involved in a casual “compliment.” “Do not praise people for their good looks” would be a simple model for this line.

Nor loathe a man because of his appearance: Good News Translation has a weak choice of words here also by rendering loathe as “look down on.” The Greek speaks more of an attitude of disgust or loathing. A possible approach for this line is “Do not treat an unattractive person with disgust.” The Greek does not specifically mention an unattractive person, but it is clearly implied. Good News Translation does well to join the two lines with the phrase “On the other hand.” We may, however, combine the two lines as follows:

• Do not praise or show disgust toward a person based on his appearance [or, how he looks].

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.