« | Ecclesiastes 10 | » |
1 Dead flies can make even perfume stink. In the same way, a little foolishness can spoil wisdom.
2 The heart of the wise leads to right, but the heart of a fool leads to wrong.
3 Even in the way fools walk along the road, they show they are not wise; they show everyone how stupid they are.
4 Don't leave your job just because your boss is angry with you. Remaining calm solves great problems.
5 There is something else wrong that happens here on earth. It is the kind of mistake rulers make:
6 Fools are given important positions while gifted people are given lower ones;
7 I have seen servants ride horses while princes walk like servants on foot.
8 Anyone who digs a pit might fall into it; anyone who knocks down a wall might be bitten by a snake;
9 anyone who moves boulders might be hurt by them; and anyone who cuts logs might be harmed by them.
10 A dull ax means harder work. Being wise will make it easier.
11 If a snake bites the tamer before it is tamed, what good is the tamer?
12 The words of the wise bring them praise, but the words of a fool will destroy them.
13 A fool begins by saying foolish things and ends by saying crazy and wicked things.
14 A fool talks too much. No one knows the future, and no one can tell what will happen after death.
15 Work wears fools out; they don't even know how to get home.
16 How terrible it is for a country whose king is a child and whose leaders eat all morning.
17 How lucky a country is whose king comes from a good family, whose leaders eat only at mealtime and for strength, not to get drunk.
18 If someone is lazy, the roof will begin to fall. If he doesn't fix it, the house will leak.
19 A party makes you feel good, wine makes you feel happy, and money buys anything.
20 Don't make fun of the king, and don't make fun of rich people, even in your bedroom. A little bird might carry your words; a bird might fly and tell what you said.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.