« | Proverbs 10 | » |
1 The Proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, But a foolish son [is] the grief of his mother.
2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, But righteousness delivers from death.
3 The LORD will not allow the righteous soul to famish, But He casts away the desire of the wicked.
4 He who has a slack hand becomes poor, But the hand of the diligent makes rich.
5 He who gathers in summer [is] a wise son; He who sleeps in harvest [is] a son who causes shame.
6 Blessings [are] on the head of the righteous, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
7 The memory of the righteous [is] blessed, But the name of the wicked will rot.
8 The wise in heart will receive commands, But a prating fool will fall.
9 He who walks with integrity walks securely, But he who perverts his ways will become known.
10 He who winks with the eye causes trouble, But a prating fool will fall.
11 The mouth of the righteous [is] a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked.
12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, But a rod [is] for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.
14 Wise [people] store up knowledge, But the mouth of the foolish [is] near destruction.
15 The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city; The destruction of the poor [is] their poverty.
16 The labor of the righteous [leads] to life, The wages of the wicked to sin.
17 He who keeps instruction [is in] the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray.
18 Whoever hides hatred [has] lying lips, And whoever spreads slander [is] a fool.
19 In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips [is] wise.
20 The tongue of the righteous [is] choice silver; The heart of the wicked [is worth] little.
21 The lips of the righteous feed many, But fools die for lack of wisdom.
22 The blessing of the LORD makes [one] rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.
23 To do evil [is] like sport to a fool, But a man of understanding has wisdom.
24 The fear of the wicked will come upon him, And the desire of the righteous will be granted.
25 When the whirlwind passes by, the wicked [is] no [more,] But the righteous [has] an everlasting foundation.
26 As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, So [is] the lazy [man] to those who send him.
27 The fear of the LORD prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened.
28 The hope of the righteous [will be] gladness, But the expectation of the wicked will perish.
29 The way of the LORD [is] strength for the upright, But destruction [will come] to the workers of iniquity.
30 The righteous will never be removed, But the wicked will not inhabit the earth.
31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, But the perverse tongue will be cut out.
32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, But the mouth of the wicked [what is] perverse.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.