« | Job 21 | » |
1 But Job answered and said,
2 Listen, listen to my words, that I may not have this consolation from you.
3 Raise me, and I will speak; then you shall not laugh me to scorn.
4 What! Is my reproof from man? And why should I not be angry?
5 Look upon me and wonder, laying your hand upon your cheek.
6 For even when I remember, I am alarmed, and pains seize my flesh.
7 Why do the ungodly live, and grow old even in wealth?
8 Their seed is according to [their] desire, and their children are in [their] sight.
9 Their houses are prosperous, and safe from fear, neither is the rod of the Lord upon them.
10 Their cow does not cast her calf, and their [beast] with young is safe, and does not miscarriage.
11 And they remain as an unfailing flock, and their children play before [them], taking up the psaltery and harp;
12 and they rejoice at the voice of a song.
13 And they spend their days in wealth, and fall asleep in the rest of the grave.
14 Yet [such a man] says to the Lord, Depart from me; I desire not to know Your ways.
15 What is the Mighty One, that we should serve Him? And what profit is there that we should approach Him?
16 For their good things were in [their] hands, but He regards not the works of the ungodly.
17 Nevertheless, the lamp of the ungodly also shall be put out, and destruction shall come upon them, and pangs of vengeance shall seize them.
18 And they shall be as chaff before the wind, or as dust which the storm has taken up.
19 Let his substance fail to [supply] his children: God shall recompense him, and he shall know it.
20 Let his eyes see his own destruction, and let him not be saved by the Lord.
21 For his desire is in his house with him, and the number of his months has been suddenly cut off.
22 Is it not the Lord who teaches understanding and knowledge? And does He not judge murders?
23 One shall die in his perfect strength, and wholly at ease and prosperous;
24 and his inwards are full of fat, and his marrow is diffused [throughout him].
25 And another dies in bitterness of soul, not eating any good thing.
26 But they lie down in the dust together, and corruption covers them.
27 So I know you, that you presumptuously attack me,
28 so that you will say, Where is the house of the prince? And where is the covering of the tabernacles of the ungodly?
29 Ask those that go by the way, and do not disown their tokens.
30 For the wicked hastens to the day of destruction: they shall be led away for the day of His vengeance.
31 Who will tell him his way to his face, since he has done it? Who shall recompense him?
32 And he has been led away to the tombs, and he has watched over the heaps.
33 The stones of the valley have been sweet to him, and every man shall depart after him, and [there are] innumerable [ones] before him.
34 How then do you comfort me in vain? Since I have no rest from your molestation.
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.