« | Proverbs 10 | » |
1 The sayings of Solomon: A wise son makes a father glad, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.
2 Riches taken by wrong-doing do no good, but doing what is right and good saves from death.
3 The Lord will not let those who are right with Him go hungry, but He puts to one side the desire of the sinful.
4 He who works with a lazy hand is poor, but the hand of the hard worker brings riches.
5 A son who gathers in summer is wise, but a son who sleeps during gathering time brings shame.
6 Good things are given to those who are right with God, but the mouth of the sinful hides trouble.
7 Those who are right with God are remembered with honor, but the name of the sinful will waste away.
8 The wise in heart will receive teaching, but a fast talking fool will become nothing.
9 He who is right in his walk is sure in his steps, but he who takes the wrong way will be found out.
10 He who winks the eye causes trouble, and a fast talking fool will become nothing.
11 The mouth of the one who is right with God is a well of life, but the mouth of the sinful hides trouble.
12 Hate starts fights, but love covers all sins.
13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a stick is for the back of him who has no understanding.
14 Wise men store up learning, but the foolish will be destroyed with their mouths.
15 The riches of a rich man are his strength, but the need of the poor is what destroys them.
16 The pay earned by those who are right with God is life, but the sinful are paid by being punished.
17 He who listens to teaching is on the path of life, but he who will not listen to strong words goes the wrong way.
18 He who hides hate has lying lips, and he who talks to hurt people is a fool.
19 The one who talks much will for sure sin, but he who is careful what he says is wise.
20 The tongue of those who are right with God is like fine silver, but the heart of the sinful is not worth much.
21 The lips of those who are right with God feed many, but fools die for want of understanding.
22 The good that comes from the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow to it.
23 Doing wrong is like play to a fool, but a man of understanding has wisdom.
24 What the sinful man is afraid of will come upon him, and what is wanted by the man who is right with God will be given to him.
25 When the storm passes, the sinful man is no more, but the man who is right with God has a place to stand forever.
26 Like sour wine to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so is the lazy one to those who send him.
27 The fear of the Lord makes life longer, but the years of the sinful will be cut off.
28 The hope of those who are right with God is joy, but the hope of the sinful comes to nothing.
29 The way of the Lord is a strong-place to those who are faithful, but it destroys those who do wrong.
30 Those who are right with God will never be shaken, but the sinful will not live in the land.
31 The mouth of those who are right with God flows with wisdom, but the sinful tongue will be stopped.
32 The lips of those who are right with God speak what is pleasing to others, but the mouth of the sinful speaks only what is bad.
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.