For both we and our words are in his hand, as are all understanding and skill in crafts: The connector For does not need to be repeated here. Although we could be interpreted to mean all humanity, the Handbook interprets it to refer to “the wise” of the preceding verse. It is clear from the following verse that Solomon includes himself in that number. Contemporary English Version keeps the metaphor hand with “… are all in the hands of God.” In languages where “hand” can refer to power, translators are encouraged to follow this model. Good News Translation, however, expresses we … are in his hand as “We are under his power and authority.” This is the meaning, although “We are under his authority” would be just as good. Good News Translation then names some specific ways in which our God-given wisdom shows itself: “we ourselves, our words, all our understanding and skills.” Skill in crafts refers to “craftsmanship” (Winston), the ability to make beautiful or useful things; compare Exo 35.30-31. Vílchez translates this “talent,” which is a good equivalent that covers about everything included in the phrase. It is possible to restructure the verse as follows:

• We ourselves, our words, all our understanding and skills are under God’s authority.

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.