Good News Translation
Pay attention to what old people say, for they learned from those who came before them. You can learn from them, and they can teach you how to have an answer ready when you need one.

New Revised Standard Version
Do not ignore the discourse of the aged, for they themselves learned from their parents; from them you learn how to understand and to give an answer when the need arises.

Contemporary English Version
Listen when old people tell you what they learned from their ancestors. Then you will understand how to give the best answer when one is needed.

New American Bible
Do not reject the tradition of the elders which they have heard from their ancestors; For from it you will learn how to answer when the need arises.

Douay-Rheims Bible
Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs.

Despise not the discourse of them that are ancient and wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs.

Sirach 8:7
Despise not a man in his old age; for we also shall become old.

Sirach 8:8
Rejoice not at the death of thy enemy; knowing that we all die, and are not willing that others should rejoice at our death.

Sirach 8:10
For of them thou shalt learn wisdom, and instruction of understanding, and to serve great men without blame.

Sirach 8:11
Let not the discourse of the ancients escape thee, for they have learned of their fathers: