Proverbs 1 | » |
1 These are the proverbs of King Solomon of Israel, the son of David.
2 Proverbs will teach you wisdom and self-control and how to understand sayings with deep meanings.
3 You will learn what is right and honest and fair.
4 From these, an ordinary person can learn to be smart, and young people can gain knowledge and good sense.
5 If you are already wise, you will become even wiser. And if you are smart, you will learn to understand
6 proverbs and sayings, as well as words of wisdom and all kinds of riddles.
7 Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of knowledge. Only a fool rejects wisdom and good advice.
8 My child, obey the teachings of your parents,
9 and wear their teachings as you would a lovely hat or a pretty necklace.
10 Don't be tempted by sinners or listen
11 when they say, "Come on! Let's gang up and kill somebody, just for the fun of it!
12 They're well and healthy now, but we'll finish them off once and for all.
13 We'll take their valuables and fill our homes with stolen goods.
14 If you join our gang, you'll get your share."
15 Don't follow anyone like that or do what they do.
16 They are in a big hurry to commit some crime, perhaps even murder.
17 They are like a bird that sees the bait, but ignores the trap.
18 They gang up to murder someone, but they are the victims.
19 The wealth you get from crime robs you of your life.
20 Wisdom shouts in the streets wherever crowds gather.
21 She shouts in the marketplaces and near the city gates as she says to the people,
22 "How much longer will you enjoy being stupid fools? Won't you ever stop sneering and laughing at knowledge?
23 Listen as I correct you and tell you what I think.
24 You completely ignored me and refused to listen;
25 you rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.
26 "So when you are struck by some terrible disaster,
27 or when trouble and distress surround you like a whirlwind, I will laugh and make fun.
28 You will ask for my help, but I won't listen; you will search, but you won't find me.
29 No, you would not learn, and you refused to respect the LORD.
30 You rejected my advice and paid no attention when I warned you.
31 "Now you will eat the fruit of what you have done, until you are stuffed full with your own schemes.
32 Sin and self-satisfaction bring destruction and death to stupid fools.
33 But if you listen to me, you will be safe and secure without fear of disaster."
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.