The disposition of a liar brings disgrace: The Greek word translated disposition means “custom, usual habit.” The word brings is implied; it does not translate a Greek verb. For the whole line New American Bible translates “A liar’s way leads to dishonor,” New Jerusalem Bible says “Lying is an abominable habit,” and Contemporary English Version has “Telling lies brings disgrace.” These are good renderings, but it would be hard to be clearer, or more accurate, than Good News Translation: “A liar has no honor.” Another good model is “People don’t honor a liar.”

And his shame is ever with him may be rendered “His shame never ends” (similarly Contemporary English Version) or “He will always live in shame.” This line brings the section to a forceful conclusion. There is an effective conclusion in Greek here, since the last Greek word (rendered ever) is a form of the same root translated “continually” in verse 24 and “habitual” in verse 25.

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.