« | Job 36 | » |
1 Elihu said:
2 Be patient a while longer; I have something else to say in God's defense.
3 God always does right-- and this knowledge comes straight from God.
4 You can rest assured that what I say is true.
5 Although God is mighty, he cares about everyone and makes fair decisions.
6 The wicked are cut down, and those who are wronged receive justice.
7 God watches over good people and places them in positions of power and honor forever.
8 But when people are prisoners of suffering and pain,
9 God points out their sin and their pride,
10 then he warns them to turn back to him.
11 And if they obey, they will be successful and happy from then on.
12 But if they foolishly refuse, they will be rewarded with a violent death.
13 Godless people are too angry to ask God for help when he punishes them.
14 So they die young in shameful disgrace.
15 Hard times and trouble are God's way of getting our attention!
16 And at this very moment, God deeply desires to lead you from trouble and to spread your table with your favorite food.
17 Now that the judgment for your sins has fallen upon you,
18 don't let your anger and the pain you endured make you sneer at God.
19 Your reputation and riches cannot protect you from distress,
20 nor can you find safety in the dark world below.
21 Be on guard! Don't turn to evil as a way of escape.
22 God's power is unlimited. He needs no teachers
23 to guide or correct him.
24 Others have praised God for what he has done, so join with them.
25 From down here on earth, everyone has looked up and seen
26 how great God is-- God is more than we imagine; no one can count the years he has lived.
27 God gathers moisture into the clouds
28 and supplies us with rain.
29 Who can understand how God scatters the clouds and speaks from his home in the thunderstorm?
30 And when God sends lightning, it can be seen at the bottom of the sea.
31 By producing such rainstorms, God rules the world and provides us with food.
32 Each flash of lightning is one of his arrows striking its target,
33 and the thunder tells of his anger against 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.