Before a man are life and death: Good News Translation translates this in the second person by saying “You have a choice between life and death.” Something like the following would be a bit closer to the Greek: “Every person has a choice between life and death.” The reason, however, that Good News Translation chooses the second person is that verses 15-16 are in the second person. In verse 17 the Greek reverts to the third person discourse that it used in verses 13-14. Either approach will work, although the Handbook suggests following Good News Translation. The footnote on this line in Revised Standard Version is technical and of no consequence.

And whichever he chooses will be given to him: This line, which is well done in Good News Translation, drives home to the reader the serious nature of the choice offered. Before you reach out your hand, make sure you know what you want. Whichever you choose, you will get. Compare 11.14; 37.17-18. In languages that do not have the passive voice, we may say “and the Lord will give you whichever you choose” (Contemporary English Version).

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.