« | Proverbs 11 | » |
1 The Lord hates dishonest scales, but he is pleased with honest weights.
2 Pride leads only to shame; it is wise to be humble.
3 Good people will be guided by honesty; dishonesty will destroy those who are not trustworthy.
4 Riches will not help when it's time to die, but right living will save you from death.
5 The goodness of the innocent makes life easier, but the wicked will be destroyed by their wickedness.
6 Doing right brings freedom to honest people, but those who are not trustworthy will be caught by their own desires.
7 When the wicked die, hope dies with them; their hope in riches will come to nothing.
8 The good person is saved from trouble; it comes to the wicked instead.
9 With words an evil person can destroy a neighbor, but a good person will escape by being smart.
10 When good people succeed, the city is happy. When evil people die, there are shouts of joy.
11 Good people bless and build up their city, but the wicked can destroy it with their words.
12 People without good sense find fault with their neighbors, but those with understanding keep quiet.
13 Gossips can't keep secrets, but a trustworthy person can.
14 Without leadership a nation falls, but lots of good advice will save it.
15 Whoever guarantees to pay somebody else's loan will suffer. It is safer to avoid such promises.
16 A kind woman gets respect, but cruel men get only wealth.
17 Kind people do themselves a favor, but cruel people bring trouble on themselves.
18 An evil person really earns nothing, but a good person will surely be rewarded.
19 Those who are truly good will live, but those who chase after evil will die.
20 The Lord hates those with evil hearts but is pleased with those who are innocent.
21 Evil people will certainly be punished, but those who do right will be set free.
22 A beautiful woman without good sense is like a gold ring in a pig's snout.
23 Those who do right only wish for good, but the wicked can expect to be defeated by God's anger.
24 Some people give much but get back even more. Others don't give what they should and end up poor.
25 Whoever gives to others will get richer; those who help others will themselves be helped.
26 People curse those who keep all the grain, but they bless the one who is willing to sell it.
27 Whoever looks for good will find kindness, but whoever looks for evil will find trouble.
28 Those who trust in riches will be ruined, but a good person will be healthy like a green leaf.
29 Whoever brings trouble to his family will be left with nothing but the wind. A fool will be a servant to the wise.
30 A good person gives life to others; the wise person teaches others how to live.
31 Good people will be rewarded on earth, and the wicked and the sinners will be punished.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.