We suggest reversing the two lines of this verse, so as to bring rulers closer to “multitudes” and “elders” in the previous verse, and to bring the idea of pronouncing judgment closer to the idea of silence expressed in the next verse.

And in the sight of rulers I shall be admired may be rendered “Other rulers will admire me.”

I shall be found keen in judgment: Keen is literally “sharp”; it means that he can make judgments that penetrate to the heart of the matter. These judgments include not only legal or judicial pronouncements, but any decisions made in his capacity as king. Good News Translation has “They will find that my decisions show deep insight,” or we may say “They will notice that when I make decisions I show deep insight [or, sound judgment].”

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.