« | Job 5 | » |
1 Job, call out for help and see if an angel comes!
2 Envy and jealousy will kill a stupid fool.
3 I have seen fools take root. But God sends a curse, suddenly uprooting them
4 and leaving their children helpless in court.
5 Then hungry and greedy people gobble down their crops and grab up their wealth.
6 Our suffering isn't caused by the failure of crops;
7 it's all part of life, like sparks shooting skyward.
8 Job, if I were you, I would ask God for help.
9 His miracles are marvelous, more than we can count.
10 God sends showers on earth and waters the fields.
11 He protects the sorrowful and lifts up those who have been disgraced.
12 God swiftly traps the wicked
13 in their own evil schemes, and their wisdom fails.
14 Darkness is their only companion, hiding their path at noon.
15 God rescues the needy from the words of the wicked and the fist of the mighty.
16 The poor are filled with hope, and injustice is silenced.
17 Consider yourself fortunate if God All-Powerful chooses to correct you.
18 He may cause injury and pain, but he will bandage and heal your cuts and bruises.
19 God will protect you from harm, no matter how often trouble may strike.
20 In times of war and famine, God will keep you safe.
21 You will be sheltered, without fear of hurtful words or any other weapon.
22 You will laugh at the threat of destruction and famine. And you won't be afraid of wild animals--
23 they will no longer be fierce, and your rocky fields will become friendly.
24 Your home will be secure, and your sheep will be safe.
25 You will have more descendants than there are blades of grass on the face of the earth.
26 You will live a long life, and your body will be strong until the day you die.
27 Our experience has proven these things to be true, so listen and learn.
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.