Do not be reckless in your speech: This verse sets up a contrast between words and deeds. We are not to be too quick to speak. The Greek word rendered reckless means “bold, rash, presumptuous.” So we may also translate this line positively, saying “Think carefully before you speak.”

Or sluggish and remiss in your deeds: But we are not to be lazy and neglect our work, the things we must do.

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.