« | Job 15 | » |
1 Eliphaz from Teman said:
2 Job, if you had any sense,
3 you would stop spreading all of this hot air.
4 Your words are enough to make others turn from God and lead them to doubt.
5 And your sinful, scheming mind is the source of all you say.
6 I am not here as your judge; your own words are witnesses against you.
7 Were you the first human? Are you older than the hills?
8 Have you ever been present when God's council meets? Do you alone have wisdom?
9 Do you know and understand something we don't?
10 We have the benefit of wisdom older than your father.
11 And you have been offered comforting words from God. Isn't this enough?
12 Your emotions are out of control, making you look fierce;
13 that's why you attack God with everything you say.
14 No human is pure and innocent,
15 and neither are angels-- not in the sight of God. If God doesn't trust his angels,
16 what chance do humans have? We are so terribly evil that we thirst for sin.
17 Just listen to what I know, and you will learn
18 wisdom known by others since ancient times.
19 Those who gained such insights also gained the land, and they were not influenced by foreign teachings.
20 But suffering is in store each day for those who sin.
21 Even in times of success, they constantly hear the threat of doom.
22 Darkness, despair, and death are their destiny.
23 They scrounge around for food, all the while dreading the approaching darkness.
24 They are overcome with despair, like a terrified king about to go into battle.
25 This is because they rebelled against God All-Powerful
26 and have attacked him with their weapons.
27 They may be rich and fat,
28 but they will live in the ruins of deserted towns.
29 Their property and wealth will shrink and disappear.
30 They won't escape the darkness, and the blazing breath of God will set their future aflame.
31 They have put their trust in something worthless; now they will become worthless
32 like a date palm tree without a leaf.
33 Or like vineyards or orchards whose blossoms and unripe fruit drop to the ground.
34 Yes, the godless and the greedy will have nothing but flames feasting on their homes,
35 because they are the parents of trouble and vicious lies.
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.