Proverbs 1 | » |
1 The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
2 That men may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight,
3 receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice, and equity;
4 that prudence may be given to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth --
5 the wise man also may hear and increase in learning, and the man of understanding acquire skill,
6 to understand a proverb and a figure, the words of the wise and their riddles.
7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.
8 Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and reject not your mother's teaching;
9 for they are a fair garland for your head, and pendants for your neck.
10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent.
11 If they say, "Come with us, let us lie in wait for blood, let us wantonly ambush the innocent;
12 like Sheol let us swallow them alive and whole, like those who go down to the Pit;
13 we shall find all precious goods, we shall fill our houses with spoil;
14 throw in your lot among us, we will all have one purse" --
15 my son, do not walk in the way with them, hold back your foot from their paths;
16 for their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed blood.
17 For in vain is a net spread in the sight of any bird;
18 but these men lie in wait for their own blood, they set an ambush for their own lives.
19 Such are the ways of all who get gain by violence; it takes away the life of its possessors.
20 Wisdom cries aloud in the street; in the markets she raises her voice;
21 on the top of the walls she cries out; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks:
22 "How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?
23 Give heed to my reproof; behold, I will pour out my thoughts to you; I will make my words known to you.
24 Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded,
25 and you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof,
26 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when panic strikes you,
27 when panic strikes you like a storm, and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you.
28 Then they will call upon me, but I will not answer; they will seek me diligently but will not find me.
29 Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the LORD,
30 would have none of my counsel, and despised all my reproof,
31 therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way and be sated with their own devices.
32 For the simple are killed by their turning away, and the complacence of fools destroys them;
33 but he who listens to me will dwell secure and will be at ease, without dread of evil."
The Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is a widely respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1952 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901, with the primary aim of providing a more accurate and readable text while retaining the literary qualities of its predecessor. The RSV sought to modernize the language of the ASV without sacrificing its faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, making it a significant milestone in the history of English Bible translations.
One of the key features of the RSV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation approach. This method ensures that the translation closely mirrors the structure and wording of the original texts, allowing readers to engage more directly with the biblical languages. The translators of the RSV were guided by the latest biblical scholarship of their time, and they endeavored to produce a text that was both accurate and elegant. This combination of precision and literary quality has made the RSV a popular choice for both academic study and liturgical use.
The RSV also stands out for its ecumenical appeal. It was one of the first translations to be accepted across a wide range of Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. This broad acceptance was partly due to the inclusive approach of the translation committee, which included scholars from various religious backgrounds. The RSV’s ecumenical nature helped it gain widespread usage in churches, seminaries, and universities, fostering a greater sense of unity among different Christian communities.
Despite its many strengths, the RSV has faced some criticism over the years. Some conservative scholars and readers have expressed concerns about certain translation choices, arguing that they reflect modernist theological perspectives. Additionally, the RSV’s use of archaic language in certain passages has been a point of contention for those seeking a more contemporary rendering of the Bible. Nonetheless, the Revised Standard Version remains a highly respected and influential translation, valued for its accuracy, literary excellence, and broad ecumenical acceptance. It continues to serve as a foundation for later revisions and translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the English Standard Version (ESV).