« | Ecclesiastes 10 | » |
1 As dead flies cause the perfumer's ointment to stink and ferment; so a little folly is more rare than wisdom and than honor.
2 A man's heart is at his right hand; but a fool's heart at his left.
3 Yes also, in the way a fool walks, his heart fails; and he says to all that he is a fool.
4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place; for yielding quiets great sinners.
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, like a sin which comes from a ruler's presence;
6 foolishness is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in low place.
7 I have seen servants on horses and princes walking as servants on the earth.
8 He who digs a pit shall fall into it; and whoever breaks a hedge, a snake shall bite him.
9 Whoever removes stones shall be hurt with them. He who splits wood shall be endangered by it.
10 If the iron is blunt, and he does not whet the edge, then he must put more strength to it. But wisdom is profitable to direct.
11 Surely the snake will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.
12 The words of a wise mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow him.
13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness; and the end of his talk is wicked madness.
14 A fool also makes many words; a man knows not what they shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
15 The labor of fools wearies him, because he does not know how to go to the city.
16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child and your leaders eat in the morning.
17 Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles, and your leaders eat in due time, for strength, and not for drunkenness!
18 By slothfulness the building decays; and through lowering of the hands the house leaks.
19 Bread is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but silver answers all things.
20 Do not curse a king, no, not in your thought; and do not curse the rich in your bedroom; for a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and that which has wings shall tell the matter.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.