« | Job 12 | » |
1 Then Job answered,
2 "No doubt you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.
3 But I have understanding as well as you. I am not less than you. Who does not know such things as these?
4 Even my friends laugh at me. The man who called on God, and God answered him, the man who is right and without blame is laughed at.
5 He who lives in comfort laughs at one who has trouble and whose feet are slipping.
6 The tents of those who destroy have much. Those who make God angry are safe and have their god in their own hands.
7 "But ask the wild animals, and they will teach you. Ask the birds of the heavens, and let them tell you.
8 Or speak to the earth, and let it teach you. Let the fish of the sea make it known to you.
9 Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?
10 In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all men.
11 Does not the ear test words as the mouth tastes food?
12 Wisdom is with old men, and understanding with long life.
13 "With God are wisdom and strength. Wise words and understanding belong to Him.
14 See, He tears down, and it cannot be built again. He puts a man in prison, and no one can free him.
15 See, He stops the waters and they dry up. He sends them out, and they cover the earth.
16 Strength and wisdom are with Him. Both the fool and the one who fools him belong to God.
17 He takes wisdom away from leaders and makes fools of judges.
18 He takes off chains put on by kings, and holds back the power of kings.
19 He makes religious leaders walk without pride, and takes the power away from those who think they are safe.
20 He stops the trusted ones from speaking and takes away the wisdom of the leaders.
21 He pours anger on rulers, and takes away the strength of the strong.
22 He makes known hidden truth from the darkness, and brings deep darkness to light.
23 He makes the nations great, and then destroys them. He helps nations to become large, then leads them away.
24 He takes away understanding from the leaders of the people of the earth, and makes them travel in a waste-land with no path.
25 They feel their way in darkness with no light. And He makes them walk from side to side like a drunk man.
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.