« | Job 31 | » |
1 "But I made an agreement with my eyes not to look with desire at a girl.
2 What has God above promised for people?
3 It is ruin for evil people and disaster for those who do wrong.
4 God sees my ways and counts every step I take.
5 "If I have been dishonest or lied to others,
6 then let God weigh me on honest scales. Then he will know I have done nothing wrong.
7 If I have turned away from doing what is right, or my heart has been led by my eyes to do wrong, or my hands have been made unclean,
8 then let other people eat what I have planted, and let my crops be plowed up.
9 "If I have desired another woman or have waited at my neighbor's door for his wife,
10 then let my wife grind another man's grain, and let other men have sexual relations with her.
11 That would be shameful, a sin to be punished.
12 It is like a fire that burns and destroys; all I have done would be plowed up.
13 "If I have been unfair to my male and female slaves when they had a complaint against me,
14 how could I tell God what I did? What will I answer when he asks me to explain what I've done?
15 God made me in my mother's womb, and he also made them; the same God formed both of us in our mothers' wombs.
16 "I have never refused the appeals of the poor or let widows give up hope while looking for help.
17 I have not kept my food to myself but have given it to the orphans.
18 Since I was young, I have been like a father to the orphans. From my birth I guided the widows.
19 I have not let anyone die for lack of clothes or let a needy person go without a coat.
20 That person's heart blessed me, because I warmed him with the wool of my sheep.
21 I have never hurt an orphan even when I knew I could win in court.
22 If I have, then let my arm fall off my shoulder and be broken at the joint.
23 I fear destruction from God, and I fear his majesty, so I could not do such things.
24 "I have not put my trust in gold or said to pure gold, 'You are my security.'
25 I have not celebrated my great wealth or the riches my hands had gained.
26 I have not thought about worshiping the sun in its brightness nor admired the moon moving in glory
27 so that my heart was pulled away from God. My hand has never offered the sun and moon a kiss of worship.
28 If I had, these also would have been sins to be punished, because I would have been unfaithful to God.
29 "I have not been happy when my enemy fell or laughed when he had trouble.
30 I have not let my mouth sin by cursing my enemy's life.
31 The men of my house have always said, 'Everyone has eaten all he wants of Job's food.'
32 No stranger ever had to spend the night in the street, because I always let travelers stay in my home.
33 I have not hidden my sin as others do, secretly keeping my guilt to myself.
34 I was not so afraid of the crowd that I kept quiet and stayed inside because I feared being hated by other families.
35 ("How I wish a court would hear my case! Here I sign my name to show I have told the truth. Now let the Almighty answer me; let the one who accuses me write it down.
36 I would wear the writing on my shoulder; I would put it on like a crown.
37 I would explain to God every step I took, and I would come near to him like a prince.)
38 "If my land cries out against me and its plowed rows are not wet with tears,
39 if I have taken the land's harvest without paying or have broken the spirit of those who worked the land,
40 then let thorns come up instead of wheat, and let weeds come up instead of barley." The words of Job are finished.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.