« | Job 12 | » |
1 Job said to his friends:
2 You think you are so great, with all the answers.
3 But I know as much as you do, and so does everyone else.
4 I have always lived right, and God answered my prayers; now friends make fun of me.
5 It's easy to condemn those who are suffering, when you have no troubles.
6 Robbers and other godless people live safely at home and say, "God is in our hands!"
7 If you want to learn, then go and ask the wild animals and the birds,
8 the flowers and the fish.
9 Any of them can tell you what the LORD has done.
10 Every living creature is in the hands of God.
11 We hear with our ears, taste with our tongues,
12 and gain some wisdom from those who have lived a long time.
13 But God is the real source of wisdom and strength.
14 No one can rebuild what he destroys, or release those he has imprisoned.
15 God can hold back the rain or send a flood,
16 just as he rules over liars and those they lie to.
17 God destroys counselors, turns judges into fools,
18 and makes slaves of kings.
19 God removes priests and others who have great power--
20 he confuses wise, experienced advisors,
21 puts mighty kings to shame, and takes away their power.
22 God turns darkness to light;
23 he makes nations strong, then shatters their strength.
24 God strikes their rulers senseless, then leaves them to roam through barren deserts,
25 lost in the dark, staggering like someone drunk.
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.