« | Ecclesiastes 10 | » |
1 As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.
2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left.
3 Even as he walks along the road, the fool lacks sense and shows everyone how stupid he is.
4 If a ruler's anger rises against you, do not leave your post; calmness can lay great errors to rest.
5 There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:
6 Fools are put in many high positions, while the rich occupy the low ones.
7 I have seen slaves on horseback, while princes go on foot like slaves.
8 Whoever digs a pit may fall into it; whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.
9 Whoever quarries stones may be injured by them; whoever splits logs may be endangered by them.
10 If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success.
11 If a snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
12 Words from a wise man's mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.
13 At the beginning his words are folly; at the end they are wicked madness-
14 and the fool multiplies words. No one knows what is coming- who can tell him what will happen after him?
15 A fool's work wearies him; he does not know the way to town.
16 Woe to you, O land whose king was a servant and whose princes feast in the morning.
17 Blessed are you, O land whose king is of noble birth and whose princes eat at a proper time- for strength and not for drunkenness.
18 If a man is lazy, the rafters sag; if his hands are idle, the house leaks.
19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes life merry, but money is the answer for everything.
20 Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird of the air may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say.
The New International Version (NIV)
The New International Version (NIV) is one of the most widely read and respected modern English translations of the Bible. First published in 1978 by the International Bible Society, the NIV was created by a diverse team of over 100 evangelical scholars from various denominations. The goal of the NIV was to produce a Bible translation that balanced readability, accuracy, and faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. This makes the NIV an ideal choice for both personal study and public worship, appealing to a broad audience across different Christian traditions.
A key feature of the NIV is its use of a balanced translation philosophy known as "optimal equivalence." This approach combines aspects of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) to provide a translation that is both accurate and easily understandable. The translators carefully considered the context and meaning of the original texts, striving to convey their messages in clear, contemporary English. This balance ensures that the NIV remains faithful to the original languages while being accessible to modern readers, making it a versatile and widely accepted translation.
The NIV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the Bible. These include comprehensive cross-references, footnotes, and introductions to each book that provide historical and cultural context. Additionally, the NIV is available in numerous editions and formats, including study Bibles, devotional Bibles, and children’s Bibles, catering to different needs and preferences. The widespread availability and extensive resources associated with the NIV make it a valuable tool for both individual study and group teaching.
Despite its popularity and widespread use, the NIV has faced some criticism. Some traditionalists and scholars prefer more literal translations, arguing that the NIV’s approach to dynamic equivalence can sometimes result in interpretive bias or a loss of subtle nuances present in the original texts. Additionally, debates have arisen over the NIV’s use of gender-inclusive language in its 2011 update, with some critics feeling that it strays too far from the original wording. Nonetheless, the New International Version remains a highly esteemed and influential translation, recognized for its readability, accuracy, and broad appeal across the Christian community.