« | Job 12 | » |
1 And Job answered and said,
2 So then you [alone] are men, and wisdom shall die with you?
3 [But] I also have a heart as well as you.
4 For a righteous and blameless man has become a subject for mockery.
5 For it had been ordained that he should fall under others at the appointed time, and that his houses should be spoiled by transgressors: let not however anyone trust that, being evil, he shall be [held] guiltless,
6 even as many as provoke the Lord, as if there were indeed to be no inquisition made of them.
7 But ask now the beasts, if they may speak to you, and the birds of the air, if they may declare to you.
8 Tell the earth, if it may speak to you, and the fish of the sea shall explain to you.
9 Who then has not known in all these things, that the hand of the Lord has made them?
10 Seeing that the life of all living things is in His hand, and the breath of every man.
11 For the ear tries words, and the palate tastes meats.
12 In length of time is wisdom, and in long life knowledge.
13 With Him are wisdom and power, with Him counsel and understanding.
14 If He should cast down, who will build up? If He should shut up against man, who shall open?
15 If He should withhold the water, He will dry the earth: and if He should let it loose, He overthrows and destroys it.
16 With Him are strength and power: He has knowledge and understanding.
17 He leads counselors away captive, and maddens the judges of the earth.
18 He seats kings upon thrones, and binds their waist with a belt.
19 He sends away priests into captivity, and overthrows the mighty ones of the earth.
20 He changes the lips of the trusty, and He knows the understanding of the elders.
21 He pours dishonor upon princes, and heals the lowly.
22 Revealing deep things out of darkness: and He has brought into light the shadow of death.
23 Causing the nations to wander, and destroying them: overthrowing the nations, and leading them away.
24 Perplexing the minds of the princes of the earth, and He causes them to wander in a way, they have not known, [saying],
25 Let them grope [in] darkness, and [let there be] no light, and let them wander as a drunken man.
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.