« | Ecclesiastes 7 | » |
1 A good reputation at the time of death is better than loving care at the time of birth.
2 It's better to go to a funeral than to attend a feast; funerals remind us that we all must die.
3 Choose sorrow over laughter because a sad face may hide a happy heart.
4 A sensible person mourns, but fools always laugh.
5 Harsh correction is better than the songs of a fool.
6 Foolish laughter is stupid. It sounds like thorns crackling in a fire.
7 Corruption makes fools of sensible people, and bribes can ruin you.
8 Something completed is better than something just begun; patience is better than too much pride.
9 Only fools get angry quickly and hold a grudge.
10 It isn't wise to ask, "Why is everything worse than it used to be?"
11 Having wisdom is better than an inheritance.
12 Wisdom will protect you just like money; knowledge with good sense will lead you to life.
13 Think of what God has done! If God makes something crooked, can you make it straight?
14 When times are good, you should be cheerful; when times are bad, think what it means. God makes them both to keep us from knowing what will happen next.
15 I have seen everything during this senseless life of mine. I have seen good citizens die for doing the right thing, and I have seen criminals live to a ripe old age.
16 So don't destroy yourself by being too good or acting too smart!
17 Don't die before your time by being too evil or acting like a fool.
18 Keep to the middle of the road. You can do this if you truly respect God.
19 Wisdom will make you stronger than the ten most powerful leaders in your city.
20 No one in this world always does right.
21 Don't listen to everything that everyone says, or you might hear your servant cursing you.
22 Haven't you cursed many others?
23 I told myself that I would be smart and try to understand all of this, but it was too much for me.
24 The truth is beyond us. It's far too deep.
25 So I decided to learn everything I could and become wise enough to discover what life is all about. At the same time, I wanted to understand why it's stupid and senseless to be an evil fool.
26 Here is what I discovered: A bad woman is worse than death. She is a trap, reaching out with body and soul to catch you. But if you obey God, you can escape. If you don't obey, you are done for.
27 With all my wisdom I have tried to find out how everything fits together,
28 but so far I have not been able to. I do know there is one good man in a thousand, but never have I found a good woman.
29 I did learn one thing: We were completely honest when God created us, but now we have twisted minds.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.