« | Ecclesiastes 7 | » |
1 A good name is better than good oil; and the day of death than the day of birth.
2 [It is] better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the banquet house. Since this is the end of every man, and the living man will apply good [warning] to his heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the countenance the heart will be made better.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.
5 [It is] better to hear a reproof of a wise man, than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6 As the sound of thorns under a caldron, so is the laughter of fools. This is also vanity.
7 For oppression makes a wise man mad, and destroys his noble heart.
8 The end of a matter is better than the beginning thereof; the patient is better than the high-minded.
9 Be not hasty in your spirit to be angry; for anger will rest in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, What has happened, that the former days were better than these? For you do not inquire wisely concerning this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance; and [there is] an advantage [by it] to them that see the sun.
12 For wisdom in its shadow is as the shadow of silver, and the excellence of the knowledge of wisdom will give life to him that has it.
13 Behold the works of God; for who shall be able to straighten him whom God has made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity live joyfully, and consider in the day of adversity. Consider, [I say], God also has caused the one to agree with the other for [this] reason, that man should find nothing after him.
15 I have seen all things in the days of my vanity; there is a just man perishing in his justice, and there is an ungodly man remaining in his wickedness.
16 Be not very just, neither be very wise, lest you be confounded.
17 Be not very wicked, and be not stubborn, lest you should die before your time.
18 It is well for you to hold fast by this; also by this defile not your hand; for to them that fear God all things shall come forth [well].
19 Wisdom will help the wise man more than ten mighty men which are in the city.
20 For there is not a righteous man in the earth who will do good, and not sin.
21 Also take no heed to all the words which ungodly men shall speak, lest you hear your servant cursing you.
22 For many times he shall trespass against you, and repeatedly shall he afflict your heart; for thus also have you cursed others.
23 All these things have I proved in wisdom. I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
24 [That which is] far beyond what was, and a great depth, who shall find it out?
25 I and my heart went round about to know, and to examine, and to seek wisdom, and the account [of things], and to know the folly and trouble and madness of the ungodly man.
26 And I find her [to be], and I will pronounce [to be] more bitter than death, the woman which is a snare, and her heart nets, [who has] a band in her hands. [He that is] good in the sight of God shall be delivered from her; but the sinner shall be caught by her.
27 Behold, this have I found, said the Preacher, [seeking] by one at a time to find out the account,
28 which my soul sought after, but I found not; for I have found one man of a thousand; but a woman in all these I have not found.
29 But behold, this have I found, that God made man upright; but they have sought out many devices.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.