« | Ecclesiastes 10 | » |
1 Dead flies make a perfume maker's oil smell bad. So does acting a little foolish weigh more than wisdom and honor.
2 A wise man's heart leads him toward the right. But the foolish man's heart leads him toward the left.
3 Even when the fool walks on the road, he has little understanding and shows everyone that he is a fool.
4 If the ruler becomes angry with you, do not back away. If you are quiet, much wrong-doing may be put aside.
5 There is a sin I have seen under the sun, like a mistake done by a ruler:
6 Fools are put in many places of honor, while rich men sit in places that are not important.
7 I have seen servants riding on horses, and princes walking like servants on the land.
8 He who digs a deep hole may fall into it. And a snake may bite him who breaks through a wall.
9 He who cuts stones may be hurt by them. And he who cuts trees may be in danger by them.
10 If the ax is not sharp and he does not make it sharp, then he must use more strength. Wisdom helps one to do well.
11 If the snake bites before it is put under a man's power, it will not be of help to the man who would have power over it.
12 The words of a wise man's mouth are kind, but the lips of a fool destroy him.
13 The beginning of his talking is foolish, and the end of it is sinful and crazy.
14 Yet the fool speaks many words. No man knows what will happen. And who can tell him what will come after him?
15 The work of a fool makes him so tired that he does not even know the way to a city.
16 It is bad for you, O land, when your king is a child and your princes eat too much in the morning.
17 Happy are you, O land, when your king is from parents who have ruled, and your princes eat at the right time, for strength and not to get drunk.
18 When men are lazy, the roof begins to fall in. When they will do no work, the rain comes into the house.
19 Food is made ready to be enjoyed, wine makes life happy, but money is the answer to everything.
20 Do not curse a king even in your thoughts, and do not curse a rich man in your bedroom because a bird of the heavens will carry your voice and an animal with wings will make it known.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.