Then she will come straight back to him …: This makes good sense connected to the last line of verse 17 as follows: “Oh yes, Wisdom will put you to the test with her requirements, but she will come back to you with no delay….” “With no delay” in Good News Translation expresses the idea of straight. Contemporary English Version begins this verse with “But then she will return straight to you.”

And will reveal her secrets to him is placed ahead of gladden him in Good News Translation: “reveal her secrets to you, and make you happy.” The Greek word rendered gladden was used in verse 12 in noun form, where Revised Standard Version has “joy.” The writer started the section talking about how Wisdom was pure joy to possess, but then gave frank warnings about the difficulties involved. Now he reminds the readers of the rewards in store.

An alternative model of this verse for those who cannot personify Wisdom is:

• But then everything will change and become clear to you, and you will feel happy.

A model for verses 17-18 is:

• At first it will be difficult to follow Wisdom. She will give you hard lessons to learn, and you will get to the point that you want to give up. You will think you cannot go on. The discipline she demands will be painful, until you are absolutely committed to her. Oh yes, Wisdom will test you with her demands, but then she will come and help you without delay. She will reveal her secrets to you, and give you happiness.

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.