« | Proverbs 11 | » |
1 False balances are an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is acceptable unto Him.
2 Wherever pride enters, there will also be disgrace, but the mouth of the lowly meditates wisdom.
3 When a just man dies he leaves regret, but the destruction of the ungodly is speedy, and causes joy.
4 [This translation omits this verse.]
5 Righteousness traces out blameless paths, but ungodliness encounters unjust dealing.
6 The righteousness of upright men delivers them, but transgressors are caught in their own destruction.
7 At the death of a just man his hope does not perish, but the boast of the ungodly perishes.
8 A righteous man escapes from a snare, and the ungodly man is delivered up in his place.
9 In the mouth of ungodly men is a snare to citizens, but the understanding of righteous men is prosperous.
10 In the prosperity of righteous men a city prospers:
11 [ 11:10A] but by the mouth of ungodly men it is overthrown.
12 A man void of understanding sneers at [his fellow] citizens, but a sensible man is quiet.
13 A double-tongued man discloses the secret counsels of an assembly, but he that is faithful in spirit conceals matters.
14 They that have no guidance fall like leaves, but in much counsel there is safety.
15 A bad man does harm wherever he meets a just man, and he hates the sound of safety.
16 A gracious wife brings glory to her husband, but a woman hating righteousness is a theme of dishonor. The slothful come to want, but the diligent support themselves with wealth.
17 A merciful man does good to his own soul, but the merciless destroys his own body.
18 An ungodly man performs unrighteous works, but the seed of the righteous is a reward of truth.
19 A righteous son is born for life, but the persecution of the ungodly [ends] in death.
20 Perverse ways are an abomination to the Lord, but all they that are blameless in their ways are acceptable to Him.
21 He that unjustly strikes hands shall not be unpunished, but he that sows righteousness shall receive a faithful reward.
22 As an ornament in a swine's snout, so is beauty to an ill-minded woman.
23 All the desire of the righteous is good, but the hope of the ungodly shall perish.
24 There are [some] who scatter their own, and make it more, and there are some also who gather, yet have less.
25 Every sincere soul is blessed, but a passionate man is not graceful.
26 May he that hoards grain leave it to the nation: but blessing be on the head of him that gives it.
27 He that devises good [counsels] seeks good favor, but as for him that seeks after evil, [evil] shall overtake him.
28 He that trusts in wealth shall fall, but he that helps righteous men shall rise.
29 He that deals not graciously with his own house shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be servant to the wise man.
30 Out of the fruit of righteousness grows a tree of life, but the souls of transgressors are cut off before their time.
31 If the righteous are scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.