If he has faith in her he will obtain her: The Greek verb rendered has faith is sometimes translated “remain[s] faithful” (New Revised Standard Version, Shekan), but it is probably better interpreted as committing oneself to the pursuit of wisdom. Obtain her is literally “inherit her.” The idea of inheriting, being passed from one generation to another, is continued in the next line. Of course, the person who obtains wisdom is not inheriting it from anyone; it is a figure of speech. That person is coming into possession of that which he or she did not have earlier.

And his descendants will remain in possession of her: Once you have come into possession of Wisdom, you are in a position to pass on what you know. It is part of your wealth that those who come after you can profit from after your own death.

Good News Translation provides a good model for the verse. Notice that Good News Translation recasts the verse in the second person. Another approach is:

• Those who are determined to find Wisdom will succeed. They will gain her for themselves and pass her on to their descendants.

However, for those translators who cannot personify Wisdom, the following model may be used:

• Those who are determined [or, who set their hearts] to learn the Lord’s truths [or, walk along the Lord’s paths] will succeed. They will not only learn these truths for themselves, but will teach them to their descendants.

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.