For even if one is perfect among the sons of men: The connector for may be omitted. The problem here is that if someone were actually perfect, that person would by definition already be wise. We believe that New English Bible is correct in interpreting this line: “for let a man be ever so perfect in the eyes of his fellow-men,” which means “Even though people may think someone is perfect, he really isn’t.” Some of the Greek philosophers described the truly wise man as perfect, but our author will make the claim in the next line that such a person is nothing unless his wisdom comes from God. Before translating this line we must deal with a problem in the next line.

Yet without the wisdom that comes from thee he will be regarded as nothing: The problem here is that if we speak of people thinking of someone as perfect, how can we say he will be regarded as nothing? Yet it is quite clear what the author means. He means that a person who is perfect from a human point of view but who lacks divinely given wisdom is in reality far from perfect—he is nothing. We suggest translating the verse along this line:

• Even if people think that someone is absolutely [or, completely] perfect, he is really nothing unless he has the wisdom that only you can give.

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.