And thus the paths of those on earth were set right: Thus (Good News Translation “In this way”) refers to God’s sending Wisdom. Thus applies to each of the three lines in this verse. In languages that do not have the passive, we may say something like “In this way you [God] have set people on the earth on the right path.”

And men were taught what pleases thee: See verses 9-10.

And were saved by wisdom may be rendered “It is Wisdom that has kept us safe.”

Alternative approaches to this verse are:

• This is how human beings have learned what is right, have learned what your will is. It is Wisdom that has kept us safe [or, given us security].

• This is how you have set human beings on the right path and taught us your will. It is Wisdom that has….

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.