« | Ecclesiastes 5 | » |
1 Be careful when you go to worship at the Temple. It is better to listen than to offer foolish sacrifices without even knowing you are doing wrong.
2 Think before you speak, and be careful about what you say to God. God is in heaven, and you are on the earth, so say only a few words to God.
3 The saying is true: Bad dreams come from too much worrying, and too many words come from foolish people.
4 If you make a promise to God, don't be slow to keep it. God is not happy with fools, so give God what you promised.
5 It is better not to promise anything than to promise something and not do it.
6 Don't let your words cause you to sin, and don't say to the priest at the Temple, "I didn't mean what I promised." If you do, God will become angry with your words and will destroy everything you have worked for.
7 Many useless promises are like so many dreams; they mean nothing. You should respect God.
8 In some places you will see poor people mistreated. Don't be surprised when they are not treated fairly or given their rights. One officer is cheated by a higher officer who in turn is cheated by even higher officers.
9 The wealth of the country is divided up among them all. Even the king makes sure he gets his share of the profits.
10 Whoever loves money will never have enough money; Whoever loves wealth will not be satisfied with it. This is also useless.
11 The more wealth people have, the more friends they have to help spend it. So what do people really gain? They gain nothing except to look at their riches.
12 Those who work hard sleep in peace; it is not important if they eat little or much. But rich people worry about their wealth and cannot sleep.
13 I have seen real misery here on earth: Money saved is a curse to its owners.
14 They lose it all in a bad deal and have nothing to give to their children.
15 People come into this world with nothing, and when they die they leave with nothing. In spite of all their hard work, they leave just as they came.
16 This, too, is real misery: They leave just as they came. So what do they gain from chasing the wind?
17 All they get are days full of sadness and sorrow, and they end up sick, defeated, and angry.
18 I have seen what is best for people here on earth. They should eat and drink and enjoy their work, because the life God has given them on earth is short.
19 God gives some people the ability to enjoy the wealth and property he gives them, as well as the ability to accept their state in life and enjoy their work.
20 They do not worry about how short life is, because God keeps them busy with what they love to do.
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.