« | Job 34 | » |
1 Elihu said:
2 You men think you are wise, but just listen to me!
3 Think about my words, as you would taste food.
4 Then we can decide the case and give a just verdict.
5 Job claims he is innocent and God is guilty of mistreating him.
6 Job also argues that God considers him a liar and that he is suffering severely in spite of his innocence.
7 But to tell the truth, Job is shameless!
8 He spends his time with sinners,
9 because he has said, "It doesn't pay to please God."
10 If any of you are smart, you will listen and learn that God All-Powerful does what is right.
11 God always treats everyone the way they deserve,
12 and he is never unfair.
13 From the very beginning, God has been in control of all the world.
14 If God took back the breath that he breathed into us,
15 we humans would die and return to the soil.
16 So be smart and listen!
17 The mighty God is the one who brings about justice, and you are condemning him.
18 Indeed, God is the one who condemns unfair rulers.
19 And God created us all; he has no favorites, whether rich or poor.
20 Even powerful rulers die in the darkness of night when they least expect it, just like the rest of us.
21 God watches everything we do.
22 No evil person can hide in the deepest darkness.
23 And so, God doesn't need to set a time for judgment.
24 Without asking for advice, God removes mighty leaders and puts others in their place.
25 He knows what they are like, and he wipes them out in the middle of the night.
26 And while others look on, he punishes them because they were evil
27 and refused to obey him.
28 The persons they mistreated had prayed for help, until God answered their prayers.
29 When God does nothing, can any person or nation find fault with him?
30 But still, he punishes rulers who abuse their people.
31 Job, you should tell God that you are guilty and promise to do better.
32 Then ask him to point out what you did wrong, so you won't do it again.
33 Do you make the rules, or does God? You have to decide-- I can't do it for you; now make up your mind.
34 Job, anyone with good sense can easily see
35 that you are speaking nonsense and lack good judgment.
36 So I pray for you to suffer as much as possible for talking like a sinner.
37 You have rebelled against God, time after time, and have even insulted us.
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.