« | Job 28 | » |
1 Gold and silver are mined, then purified;
2 the same is done with iron and copper.
3 Miners carry lanterns deep into the darkness to search for these metals.
4 They dig tunnels in distant, unknown places, where they dangle by ropes.
5 Far beneath the grain fields, fires are built to break loose those rocks
6 that have jewels or gold.
7 Miners go to places unseen by the eyes of hawks;
8 they walk on soil unknown to the proudest lions.
9 With their own hands they remove sharp rocks and uproot mountains.
10 They dig through the rocks in search of jewels and precious metals.
11 They also uncover the sources of rivers and discover secret places.
12 But where is wisdom found?
13 No human knows the way.
14 Nor can it be discovered in the deepest sea.
15 It is worth much more than silver or pure gold
16 or precious stones.
17 Nothing is its equal-- not gold or costly glass.
18 Wisdom is worth much more than coral, jasper, or rubies.
19 All the topaz of Ethiopia and the finest gold cannot compare with it.
20 Where then is wisdom?
21 It is hidden from human eyes and even from birds.
22 Death and destruction have merely heard rumors about where it is found.
23 God is the only one who knows the way to wisdom,
24 because he sees everything beneath the heavens.
25 When God divided out the wind and the water,
26 and when he decided the path for rain and lightning,
27 he also determined the truth and defined wisdom.
28 God told us, "Wisdom means that you respect me, the Lord, and turn from sin."
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.