For if in bitterness of soul he calls down a curse upon you: Bitterness of soul describes the beggar’s emotional state. It is not clear whether the beggar is bitter as a result of being refused, or whether he is already bitter. In light of verse 3, he is probably already a bitter man. He pronounces his curse in desperation, not knowing what else to do. We are not really talking about a malevolent person, but one who is reduced to a state where he is forced to beg, and a refusal is seen as an injury, calling for defense. Calls down a curse is an English idiom, simply meaning to curse. Again, however, the implication is that he is asking God to harm the other person. So we may translate “If he becomes so bitter that he asks the Lord to harm you.”

His Creator will hear his prayer is a remarkable line. The reader is reminded that the poor, cursing beggar is a person created by God—it doesn’t just say “God will hear….” God is meant, of course, but named as this person’s creator and protector. That curse—wishing ill on you—will be heard by God as a prayer. The implication is that God will oblige the beggar and bring on you the ills of the curse. The reason ultimately given for helping the beggar is less a moral one than a practical one; if you do the wrong thing, you may well get hurt. That makes it smart—wise—to do the right thing. Compare 18.18.

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.