Sirach 40:24 is a proverb that highlights the enduring power of generosity compared to the more temporary relief provided by human support in times of trouble. Let's break it down:

"Brethren and succour are for a time of affliction..." This means that having brothers, sisters, friends, and help in general (succour) is useful and valuable when you're going through a difficult period. Family and support systems are important during hardships. However, the verse implies this support is limited to the duration of the affliction itself. Once the crisis passes, the immediate need for that specific help diminishes.

"...And almsgiving is a deliverer above both." This elevates almsgiving (giving to the poor and needy) to a higher level of deliverance than even the help of family and friends. It suggests that acts of charity have a more profound and lasting impact.

Here's a more in-depth interpretation:

Transcendence: Almsgiving is a spiritual act that transcends the immediate crisis. It has a long-lasting effect because:
It addresses the root causes of suffering (poverty, lack of opportunity).
It creates a positive cycle of generosity and goodwill in the community.
It benefits both the giver and the receiver spiritually.
Impact on the Giver: Almsgiving fosters compassion and empathy, changing the giver's heart and aligning them with divine values. This internal transformation is a form of "deliverance" from selfishness and apathy.
God's Blessing: There's an implicit understanding (common in wisdom literature) that almsgiving pleases God and invites divine blessing and protection. It's not just a material act, but a spiritual investment with long-term rewards.

In short, the verse is saying that while the support of loved ones is helpful in times of trouble, the act of giving alms to those in need is even more powerful, providing a deeper and more lasting form of deliverance. It emphasizes the enduring spiritual and societal benefits of generosity and compassion.