« | Job 5 | » |
1 "Call now. Is there anyone who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?
2 To be bitter kills the foolish man, and jealousy kills the child-like.
3 I have seen the fool taking root, but right away his house was cursed.
4 His sons are far from being safe. They are destroyed in the gate, and there is no one to help them.
5 The hungry eat the food of his field. They take it even out of the thorns. And the thirsty want his riches.
6 For suffering does not come from the dust. Trouble does not grow out of the ground.
7 But man is born to trouble, as fire goes up.
8 "But as for me, I would look to God. I would put my troubles before God.
9 He does great things, too great for us to understand. He does too many wonderful things for us to number.
10 He gives rain on the earth and sends water on the fields.
11 He puts those who are in low places up to high places. Those who are filled with sorrow are lifted to where they are safe.
12 He troubles the plans of those who try to fool people, so that their hands cannot do what they plan.
13 God gets them into a trap when they use their own wisdom. And the plans of the wise are brought to a quick end.
14 They meet with darkness during the day, and feel their way at noon as in the night.
15 But He saves from the sword those in need. He saves the poor from the power of the strong.
16 So those who have no hope, have hope, and what is not right and good must shut its mouth.
17 "See, happy is the man to whom God speaks strong words. So do not hate the strong teaching of the Allpowerful.
18 He punishes, but He gives comfort. He hurts, but His hands heal.
19 He will take you out of six troubles. Yes, in seven, nothing will hurt you.
20 He will keep you from death in times of no food, and from the power of the sword in war.
21 You will be hidden from the punishment of the tongue. You will not be afraid of being destroyed when danger comes.
22 You will laugh at danger and times of no food. And you will not be afraid of wild animals.
23 For you will be in agreement with the stones of the field. And the animals of the field will be at peace with you.
24 You will know that your tent is safe. You will look over what you have and see that nothing is gone.
25 You will know also that your children and children's children will be many. They will be as the grass of the earth.
26 You will come to the grave in full strength, like the grain gathered in when it is time.
27 See, this is what we have found, and it is true. Hear it, and know for yourself."
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.