A proverb from a fool’s lips will be rejected, for he does not tell it at its proper time: A proverb is a concise statement expressing a wise observation of some kind, such as this verse. Among the ancient Israelites, knowing proverbs and how to interpret them was a mark of wisdom. People who are not wise, however, may show that they don’t understand the wise saying by quoting it at an inappropriate time (compare Pro 26.7-9). Consequently it loses its force, and will be rejected; no one will take it seriously (so Good News Translation). For fool see 8.17. Contemporary English Version has a helpful model for this verse:

• Everyone ignores a proverb
repeated by a fool.
because fools never choose
the right one.

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.