But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty: This has the same meaning as verse 6b, but the language is different. The idea is that although God provides for every person, he holds the “great” (verse 7) and mighty especially responsible for their deeds. Contemporary English Version has “and he requires rulers to answer for what they do.” Another possible model is “but he requires rulers to be responsible for their actions.”

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.