« | Job 21 | » |
1 Job said:
2 If you want to offer comfort, then listen to me.
3 And when I have finished, you can start your insults all over again.
4 My complaint is against God; that's why I am impatient.
5 Just looking at me is enough to make you sick,
6 and the very thought of myself fills me with disgust.
7 Why do evil people live so long and gain such power?
8 Why are they allowed to see their children grow up?
9 They have no worries at home, and God never punishes them.
10 Their cattle have lots of calves without ever losing one;
11 their children play and dance safely by themselves.
12 These people sing and celebrate to the sound of tambourines, small harps, and flutes,
13 and they are successful, without a worry, until the day they die.
14 Those who are evil say to God All-Powerful, "Leave us alone! Don't bother us with your teachings.
15 What do we gain from praying and worshiping you?
16 We succeeded all on our own." And so, I keep away from them and their evil schemes.
17 How often does God become angry and send disaster and darkness to punish sinners?
18 How often does he strike them like a windstorm that scatters straw?
19 You say, "God will punish those sinners' children in place of those sinners." But I say, "Let him punish those sinners themselves until they really feel it.
20 Let God All-Powerful force them to drink their own destruction from the cup of his anger.
21 Because after they are dead, they won't care what happens to their children."
22 Who can tell God what to do? He judges powerful rulers.
23 Some of us die prosperous,
24 enjoying good health,
25 while others die in poverty, having known only pain.
26 But we all end up dead, beneath a blanket of worms.
27 My friends, I know that you are plotting against me.
28 You ask, "Where is the home of that important person who does so much evil?"
29 Everyone, near and far, agrees
30 that those who do wrong never suffer disaster, when God becomes angry.
31 No one points out their sin or punishes them.
32 Then at their funerals, they are highly praised;
33 the earth welcomes them home, while crowds mourn.
34 But empty, meaningless words are the comfort you offer me.
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.