Dread monarchs will be afraid of me when they hear of me: Dread monarchs are tyrants—kings or dictators who are feared by their people. New English Bible has “Grim tyrants.” For this line we could say “Cruel kings will tremble with fear when they hear my name mentioned [or, people mention my name].” This does not shift the focus too much. Even these rulers will cringe in fear at the mention of Solomon’s name.

Among the people I shall show myself capable, and courageous in war: People here refers to Solomon’s own people. Capable is literally “good,” but a good king shows it by being capable. New English Bible has “among my own people I shall show myself a good king, and on the battlefield a brave one.” New Jerusalem Bible has “I shall show myself kind to the people and valiant in battle.” Translators could simply say “I will be good to my people and brave in battle” or “… and when I fight my enemies I will be brave.”

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.