A wise man will have praise heaped upon him is literally “A wise man will be filled with praise.” New Jerusalem Bible reads “The wise is showered with blessings.” In a number of languages this line will need to be in the active voice; for example, “Everyone will praise such a person” (Good News Translation).

And all who see him will call him happy: Will call him happy is literally “will bless him.” Good News Translation “speak of him as fortunate” is not far off. It might not be too much to say “will thank the Lord for him.” There is an ancient Jewish blessing, to be spoken when someone sees a wise man, “Blessed art thou, O Lord God, king of the universe, who sharest thy wisdom with mortals.”

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.