The mind of the intelligent man will ponder a parable: The Greek word translated parable itself renders a Hebrew word often translated “proverb.” It actually refers to any form in which wisdom is expressed, whether as a proverb, a parable, or a fable. Good News Translation translates “proverbs and parables,” which is not wrong. The Hebrew here says “proverbs of wisdom,” “wise sayings” (see the comments on 1.25). Good News Translation does not explicitly say mind (literally “heart”) because a mind is obviously what “intelligent people” will use to learn with. The point is that they will recognize good advice or wisdom when they hear it or see it, take it to heart, and as an end result, learn from it. An alternative model for this line is “Intelligent [or, Wise] people will learn from sayings that are full of knowledge.”

And an attentive ear is the wise man’s desire: This line says that wise people want to learn from the wisdom they hear. Good News Translation expresses it well with “They listen well because they want to learn.”

This verse, which concludes the section, functions as a warning to the reader. In Matt 13.3-8 Jesus tells the parable of the sower, and concludes it in verse 9 by saying “Listen, then, if you have ears!” (Good News Translation). That is what ben Sira is telling the reader here: “I have just given you good advice. Intelligent people recognize wisdom when they hear it, and they will pay close attention, because they want to learn.”

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.