For it is an unfailing treasure for men: It is not clear whether the subject is it (Wisdom’s wealth) or “she” (Wisdom herself). In the long run it means the same thing. We would suggest joining this line to the final one of verse 13: “because these rich [or, marvelous] gifts are an unlimited source of good for people” or “… provide people with an unending supply of good things.”

Those who get it obtain friendship with God: Good News Translation, with “Use those treasures,” is translating a form of the text found in other manuscripts, which we do not recommend. A better translation would be “Those who receive those gifts become friends with God.”

Commended for the gifts that come from instruction: When people receive Wisdom’s gifts, this commends them to God, so that they earn God’s friendship. Good News Translation “he approves of what you learn from her” is good, but translators could also say “He knows and approves of whatever you get from Wisdom.”

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.