« | Job 11 | » |
1 Zophar from Naamah said:
2 So much foolish talk cannot go unanswered.
3 Your words have silenced others and made them ashamed; now it is only right for you to be put to shame.
4 You claim to be innocent and argue that your beliefs are acceptable to God.
5 But I wish he would speak
6 and let you know that wisdom has many different sides. You would then discover that God has punished you less than you deserve.
7 Can you understand the mysteries surrounding God All-Powerful?
8 They are higher than the heavens and deeper than the grave. So what can you do when you know so little,
9 and these mysteries outreach the earth and the ocean?
10 If God puts you in prison or drags you to court, what can you do?
11 God has the wisdom to know when someone is worthless and sinful,
12 but it's easier to tame a wild donkey than to make a fool wise.
13 Surrender your heart to God, turn to him in prayer,
14 and give up your sins-- even those you do in secret.
15 Then you won't be ashamed; you will be confident and fearless.
16 Your troubles will go away like water beneath a bridge,
17 and your darkest night will be brighter than noon.
18 You will rest safe and secure, filled with hope and emptied of worry.
19 You will sleep without fear and be greatly respected.
20 But those who are evil will go blind and lose their way. Their only escape is death!
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.