« | Job 32 | » |
1 Finally, these three men stopped arguing with Job, because he refused to admit that he was guilty.
2 Elihu from Buz was there, and he had become upset with Job for blaming God instead of himself.
3 He was also angry with Job's three friends for not being able to prove that Job was wrong.
4 Elihu was younger than these three, and he let them speak first.
5 But he became irritated when they could not answer Job,
6 and he said to them: I am much younger than you, so I have shown respect by keeping silent.
7 I once believed age was the source of wisdom;
8 now I truly realize wisdom comes from God.
9 Age is no guarantee of wisdom and understanding.
10 That's why I ask you to listen to me.
11 I eagerly listened to each of your arguments,
12 but not one of you proved Job to be wrong.
13 You shouldn't say, "We know what's right! Let God punish him."
14 Job hasn't spoken against me, and so I won't answer him with your arguments.
15 All of you are shocked; you don't know what to say.
16 But am I to remain silent, just because you have stopped speaking?
17 No! I will give my opinion,
18 because I have so much to say, that I can't keep quiet.
19 I am like a swollen wineskin, and I will burst
20 if I don't speak.
21 I don't know how to be unfair or to flatter anyone--
22 if I did, my Creator would quickly destroy 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.