« | Job 32 | » |
1 Then these three men stopped answering Job, because he was right and good in his own eyes.
2 But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry at Job because he said he was right with God.
3 And he was angry at his three friends because they had found no answer, yet they had said that Job was wrong.
4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he.
5 And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of the three men, he was very angry.
6 So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said, "I am young, and you are old. So I did not feel that I should speak. I was afraid to tell you what I think.
7 I thought the older men should speak, and that the many years should teach wisdom.
8 But it is the spirit in a man and the breath of the All-powerful that gives him understanding.
9 The old may not be wise. They may not understand what is right and fair.
10 So I say, 'Listen to me. I also will tell you what I think.'
11 "See, I waited for your words. I listened to what you said and waited to hear more from you.
12 I was careful to listen to you. There was no one who could prove that Job was wrong. None of you could answer his words.
13 Do not say, 'We have found wisdom. God will show he is wrong, not man.'
14 Now Job has not spoken his words against me. And I will not answer him with your words.
15 "They are troubled and have no more to say. Words do not come.
16 Should I wait because they do not speak, because they stand there and do not answer?
17 I also will give my answer. I will tell what I think.
18 For I am full of words. The spirit within me makes me speak.
19 See, my stomach is like wine that cannot get out. It is ready to break like new wine bottles made of skin.
20 Let me speak, that I may find comfort. Let me open my lips and answer.
21 I will not show favor to anyone, or praise any man in a false way.
22 For I do not know how to say sweet-sounding words that are not true, for then my Maker would soon take me away.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.