Each line in verse 18 expresses a vivid contrast, as do the two lines of verse 19. A similar form is used each time, and a good translation will try to reflect that.

For health he appeals to a thing that is weak: Good News Translation “It is weak, but he prays to it for health” shows the form that will be repeated in the next few lines. It is a good model, but there is a problem with the English word “weak,” since it implies that the thing does have some strength. “Powerless” might be better. So we may say “He prays for health to something that is powerless [or, has no power at all].”

For life he prays to a thing that is dead: It is possible to combine the first two lines of this verse and say “He prays for life and health to something that is lifeless and weak [or, powerless].”

For aid he entreats a thing that is utterly inexperienced may be rendered “He prays for help to something that doesn’t know how to do anything.”

For a prosperous journey, a thing that cannot take a step: The Greek has no main verb, but it is not needed. It may be needed in the translator’s language, however, so a possible rendering is “He prays for a safe journey to something that cannot walk one step.”

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.