Verses 8-9 continue the theme developed in verses 4-7 of warning us against smugness, against a superior attitude. But while verses 4-7 spoke of having disregard for those inferior to us in some way, verses 8-9 warn us against being so sure of ourselves that we ignore those whose knowledge is superior to ours.

Do not slight the discourse of the sages: To slight is to “disregard” (Good News Translation) or “neglect” (New English Bible). The discourse of the sages may include not only “what the wise have said,” but what they have written as well. Ben Sira is talking about the words of the wise, whether spoken or written. This line can be stated positively: “Pay attention to the words of wise people.”

But busy yourself with their maxims: Maxims are short, concentrated statements of a truth. Maxims, like discourse, may also refer to things written down. Good News Translation “proverbs” is a reasonably good equivalent. A proverb is a short line or two that concentrates and focuses on a central truth, but it is usually a saying without an author, one handed down as folk wisdom. Ben Sira would not want us to ignore those sayings, but he is probably talking here about teachings found in books with authors, the teachings of particular wise men. “Study their teachings” is probably closer to the intent of the author than “Study their proverbs” (Good News Translation).

Because from them you will gain instruction: New English Bible “learn discipline” (also Contemporary English Version) is a good way of translating gain instruction. In some languages this line will be expressed as “Then you will learn how to live in a disciplined way” or “… how to walk your life in a disciplined [or, controlled] way.” However, there is something to be said for Good News Translation “learn to be cultured,” which derives from the context. We need to learn the social skills for dealing with people in power. An alternative model for the last two lines of this verse may be “Learn the social skills for serving important people.”

And learn how to serve great men: This line gives a possible and desirable result of gaining the discipline or understanding mentioned in the previous line. Being of service to important people would normally involve knowledge and social skills.

An alternative model for this verse is:

• Pay attention to the words of wise people. Study their teachings, because from them you can learn what you need to know to be of service to important people.

Notice that ben Sira simply assumes that the wise man will never himself attain the status of a great or important person; he can only aspire to earn the trust of such people.

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.