« | Job 20 | » |
1 Then Zophar the Minaean answered and said,
2 I did not suppose that you would answer this way: neither do you understand more than I.
3 I will hear my shameful reproach, and the spirit of my understanding answers me.
4 Have you [not] known these things of old, from the time that man was set upon the earth?
5 But the mirth of the ungodly is a signal downfall, and the joy of transgressors is destruction:
6 although his gifts should go up to heaven, and his sacrifice reach the clouds.
7 For when he shall seem to be established, then he shall utterly perish, and those that knew him shall say, Where is he?
8 Like a dream that has fled away, he shall not be found; and he has fled like a vision of the night.
9 The eye has looked upon him, but shall not [see him] again; and his place shall no longer perceive him.
10 Let [his] inferiors destroy his children, and let his hands kindle the fire of sorrow.
11 His bones have been filled with the [vigor of] his youth, and it shall lie down with him in the dust.
12 Though evil be sweet in his mouth, though he will hide it under his tongue;
13 though he will not spare it, and will not leave it, but will keep it in the midst of his throat:
14 yet he shall not at all be able to help himself; the gall of an asp is in his belly.
15 [His] wealth unjustly collected shall be vomited up; a messenger of [wrath] shall drag him out of his house.
16 And let him suck the poison of serpents, and let the serpent's tongue slay him.
17 Let him not see the milk of the pastures, nor the supplies of honey and butter.
18 He has labored unprofitably and in vain, for wealth of which he shall not taste: it is as a lean thing, unfit for food, which he cannot swallow.
19 For he has broken down the houses of many mighty men, and he has plundered a house, though he built it not.
20 There is no security to his possessions; he shall not be saved by his desire.
21 There is nothing remaining of his provisions, therefore his goods shall not flourish.
22 But when he shall seem to be just satisfied, he shall be straitened; and all distress shall come upon him.
23 If by any means he would fill his belly, let [God] send upon him the fury of wrath; let Him bring a torrent of pains upon him.
24 And he shall by no means escape from the power of the sword; let the bronze bow wound him.
25 And let the arrow pierce through his body; and let the stars be against his dwelling-place: let terrors come upon him.
26 And let all darkness wait for him: an unfanned fire shall consume him, and let a stranger plague his house.
27 And let the heavens reveal his iniquities, and the earth rise up against him.
28 Let destruction bring his house to an end; let a day of wrath come upon him.
29 This is the portion of an ungodly man from the Lord, and the possession of his goods [appointed him] by the all-seeing [God].
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.