But just penalties will overtake them on two counts may be rendered “But they will get the punishment they deserve, for two reasons” or “But God will punish them as they deserve….”

Because they thought wickedly of God in devoting themselves to idols: Wickedly is better expressed here “wrongly” (New Revised Standard Version). Compare verse 22. Good News Translation inserts “first” and later “and second” to help the reader see that these are the “two reasons” mentioned in the previous line. An alternative model for this line is “First, they should have worshiped God instead of despising him and worshiping idols [instead].”

And because in deceit they swore unrighteously through contempt for holiness: This is another reference to lying under oath (called “perjury” in verses 25 and 28). Since they took an oath by what they thought holy, they showed contempt and disdain for holiness when they knowingly lied. Good News Translation is good, though translators could also say “and second, they had so little regard for what is holy [or, taboo] ….”

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.