« | Ecclesiastes 8 | » |
1 Who knows the wise? And who knows the interpretation of a saying? A man's wisdom will lighten his countenance; but a man of shameless countenance will be hated.
2 Observe the commandment of the king, and [that] because of the word of the oath of God.
3 Be not hasty; you shall go forth out of his presence. Stand not in an evil matter; for he will do whatsoever he shall please,
4 even as a king having power; and who will say to him, What are you doing?
5 He that keeps the commandment shall not know an evil thing; and the heart of the wise knows the time of judgment.
6 Because for every matter there is a time and judgment; for the knowledge of a man is great to him.
7 For there is no one that knows what is going to be; for who shall tell him how it shall be?
8 There is no man that has power over the spirit to retain the spirit; and there is no power in the day of death; and there is no discharge in the day of the battle; neither shall wickedness deliver those who are given to it.
9 So I saw all this, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun; all the things in which man has power over man, to afflict him.
10 And then I saw the ungodly carried into the tombs, and [that] out of the holy place. And they departed, and were praised in the city, because they had done thus. This also is vanity.
11 Because there is no contradiction made on the part of those who are quick to do evil, therefore the heart of the children of men is fully determined in them to do evil.
12 He that has sinned has done evil from that time, and from long beforehand. Nevertheless I know, that it is well with them that fear God, that they may fear before Him.
13 But it shall not be well with the ungodly, and he shall not prolong his days, [which are but] a shadow; forasmuch as he fears not before God.
14 There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there are righteous persons to whom it happens according to the doing of the ungodly; and there are ungodly men, to whom it happens according to the doing of the just. I said, This is also vanity.
15 Then I praised mirth, because there is no good for a man under the sun, but to eat, and drink, and be merry. And this shall attend him in his labor all the days of his life, which God has given him under the sun.
16 On this I set my heart to know wisdom, and to perceive the trouble that was done upon the earth; even though one sees no sleep day or night.
17 And I beheld all the works of God, that a man shall not be able to discover the work which is done under the sun. Whatever things a man shall endeavor to seek, however a man may labor to seek it, yet he shall not find it. Moreover, [though] a wise man may speak of knowing it, he shall not be able to find it; for I applied all this to my heart, and my heart has seen all this.
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.