« | Ecclesiastes 7 | » |
1 A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one's birth.
2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting; for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made better.
4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of laughter.
5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools.
6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool; this also is vanity.
7 Surely oppression makes a wise man mad; and a bribe destroys the heart.
8 Better is the end of a thing than the beginning of it; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.
9 Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry; for anger rests in the bosom of fools.
10 Do not say, Why was it that the former days were better than these? For you do not ask wisely in regard to this.
11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance; but it is gain to those who see the sun.
12 For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it.
13 Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked?
14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity take note that God also has set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him.
15 All things I have seen in the days of my vanity; there is a just one who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked one who prolongs life in his wickedness.
16 Do not be righteous overmuch, neither make yourself overwise; why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be very wicked, and do not be a fool; why should you die before your time?
18 It is good that you should take hold of this; yea, also from this do not withdraw your hand; for he who fears God shall come forth from all of them.
19 Wisdom makes the wise stronger than ten mighty ones who are in the city.
20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin.
21 Also do not listen to all words that are spoken; lest you hear your servant curse you.
22 For also your own heart knows that you yourself have also cursed others many times.
23 All this I have proved by wisdom; I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.
24 That which is far off and exceedingly deep, who can find it out?
25 I set my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom, and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of folly, even of foolishness and madness;
26 and I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands like bands. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her, but the sinner shall be taken by her.
27 Behold, this I have found, says the Preacher, counting one by one, to find out the sum,
28 which my soul still sought, but I find not: one man among a thousand I have found, but a woman among all those I have not found.
29 Lo, this only I have found, that God has made man upright, but they have sought out many inventions.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.