But judging them little by little thou gavest them a chance to repent: Judging here does not refer to a judge deciding whether these people are guilty or not and passing sentence on them [announcing what their punishment will be], but to the effect of the judgment, the carrying out of the sentence, that is, the punishment itself. For this line translators could say “you still punished them little by little, giving them time to turn back to you” (Contemporary English Version). Compare Exo 23.30; Jdg 2.23.

Though thou wast not unaware that their origin was evil and their wickedness inborn: The Revised Standard Version footnote indicates that origin could be translated “nature” (so Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Contemporary English Version). This is true, but Good News Translation and others have probably given the right meaning with “evil stock.” This means that the ancestors of these people were as evil as they themselves were. It compares the people to a plant coming up from bad “stock” or “seed” (Winston). “Wicked since birth” (Good News Translation) is consistent with the Greek behind wickedness inborn, but it shifts the focus. The Greek says that evil is part of their very nature. “Wicked since birth” sounds like it refers to a succession of evil actions, not to an inherently evil character.

And that their way of thinking would never change: This could be translated “and that they would never repent” or “and that they would always be the same.”

The last three lines could be translated “You knew [very well] that they were completely evil, that all their ancestors had been wicked, and that they were never going to change [or, repent].” It is possible to place these lines at the beginning of the verse as follows:

• You knew that they were completely evil, that all their ancestors had been wicked, and that they were never going to change [or, repent]. Yet you still punished them little by little, giving them a chance to repent.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Wisdom of Solomon. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2004. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.