« | Job 11 | » |
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,
2 "Should many words go without an answer? Should a man full of talk be said to be without blame?
3 Should your words of pride make men quiet? Should you make fun of truth and no one speak sharp words to you?
4 For you say, 'What I believe is pure. I am without fault in Your eyes.'
5 If only God would speak, and open His lips against you.
6 He would show you the secrets of wisdom because there are two sides. Then you would know that God is punishing you less than you should get.
7 "Can you find out the deep things of God? Can you find out how far the All-powerful can go?
8 They are higher than the heavens. What can you do? They are deeper than the place of the dead. What can you know?
9 They are longer than the earth and wider than the sea.
10 If He passes by, puts a man in prison, or calls him to trial, who can stop Him?
11 For He knows men who are no good. When He sees wrong-doing, will He not look into it?
12 A fool cannot become wise anymore than a wild donkey can give birth to a man.
13 "If you set your heart right, and put out your hands to Him,
14 and if you put away the sin that is in your hand, do not let wrong-doing be in your tents.
15 Then you will be able to lift up your face without sin. You would be strong and not afraid.
16 For you would forget your trouble, remembering it as waters that have passed by.
17 Your life would be brighter than noon. Darkness would be like the morning.
18 Then you would trust, because there is hope. You would look around and rest and be safe.
19 You would lie down and no one would make you afraid. Many would ask for your favor.
20 But the eyes of the sinful will waste away. There will be no way for them to get away. And their hope is to breathe their last."
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.