« | Proverbs 10 | » |
1 Here are some proverbs of Solomon: Children with good sense make their parents happy, but foolish children make them sad.
2 What you gain by doing evil won't help you at all, but being good can save you from death.
3 If you obey the LORD, you won't go hungry; if you are wicked, God won't let you have what you want.
4 Laziness leads to poverty; hard work makes you rich.
5 At harvest season it's smart to work hard, but stupid to sleep.
6 Everyone praises good people, but evil hides behind the words of the wicked.
7 Good people are remembered long after they are gone, but the wicked are soon forgotten.
8 If you have good sense, you will listen and obey; if all you do is talk, you will destroy yourself.
9 You will be safe, if you always do right, but you will get caught, if you are dishonest.
10 Deceit causes trouble, and foolish talk will bring you to ruin.
11 The words of good people are a source of life, but evil hides behind the words of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do.
13 If you have good sense, it will show when you speak. But if you are stupid, you will be beaten with a stick.
14 If you have good sense, you will learn all you can, but foolish talk will soon destroy you.
15 Great wealth can be a fortress, but poverty is no protection at all.
16 If you live right, the reward is a good life; if you are evil, all you have is sin.
17 Accept correction, and you will find life; reject correction, and you will miss the road.
18 You can hide your hatred by telling lies, but you are a fool to spread lies.
19 You will say the wrong thing if you talk too much-- so be sensible and watch what you say.
20 The words of a good person are like pure silver, but the thoughts of an evil person are almost worthless.
21 Many are helped by useful instruction, but fools are killed by their own stupidity.
22 When the LORD blesses you with riches, you have nothing to regret.
23 Fools enjoy doing wrong, but anyone with good sense enjoys acting wisely.
24 What evil people dread most will happen to them, but good people will get what they want most.
25 Those crooks will disappear when a storm strikes, but God will keep safe all who obey him.
26 Having a lazy person on the job is like a mouth full of vinegar or smoke in your eyes.
27 If you respect the LORD, you will live longer; if you keep doing wrong, your life will be cut short.
28 If you obey the Lord, you will be happy, but there is no future for the wicked.
29 The LORD protects everyone who lives right, but he destroys anyone who does wrong.
30 Good people will stand firm, but the wicked will lose their land.
31 Honest people speak sensibly, but deceitful liars will be silenced.
32 If you obey the Lord, you will always know the right thing to say. But no one will trust you if you tell lies.
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.