For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness: Again the connector For may be omitted. They probably refers to rulers. In Good News Translation it is not clear what “These” points to at the beginning of the verse. Holy things probably refers to all the matters laid down in the Law. Vílchez translates this “his holy will,” since this sums up what is said in the Law. This is a good approach. Translators could say “Those who follow God’s holy will in a holy manner will be holy themselves.” Other possible approaches are “Any ruler who obediently [or, reverently] follows God’s will [or, what God wants him to do] will become one of God’s own people” and “The morally pure ruler is the ruler who obediently follows God’s will.”

And those who have been taught them will find a defense: If the previous line refers to Israel’s rulers, this one may refer to Gentile rulers, who have had to learn about holy things. Defense seems to refer to the ability to stand up to examination at God’s final judgment.

The verse could be translated:

• The morally pure ruler is the ruler who obediently follows God’s will; those who learn what God’s will is [or, what God wants them to do] can defend themselves at the 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.