« | Proverbs 11 | » |
1 Dishonest scales [are] an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight [is] His delight.
2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble [is] wisdom.
3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.
4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, But righteousness delivers from death.
5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct his way aright, But the wicked will fall by his own wickedness.
6 The righteousness of the upright will deliver them, But the unfaithful will be caught by [their] lust.
7 When a wicked man dies, [his] expectation will perish, And the hope of the unjust perishes.
8 The righteous is delivered from trouble, And it comes to the wicked instead.
9 The hypocrite with [his] mouth destroys his neighbor, But through knowledge the righteous will be delivered.
10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices; And when the wicked perish, [there is] jubilation.
11 By the blessing of the upright the city is exalted, But it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
12 He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, But a man of understanding holds his peace.
13 A talebearer reveals secrets, But he who is of a faithful spirit conceals a matter.
14 Where [there is] no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors [there is] safety.
15 He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, But one who hates being surety is secure.
16 A gracious woman retains honor, But ruthless [men] retain riches.
17 The merciful man does good for his own soul, But [he who is] cruel troubles his own flesh.
18 The wicked [man] does deceptive work, But he who sows righteousness [will have] a sure reward.
19 As righteousness [leads] to life, So he who pursues evil [pursues it] to his own death.
20 Those who are of a perverse heart [are] an abomination to the LORD, But [the] blameless in their ways [are] His delight.
21 [Though they join] forces, the wicked will not go unpunished; But the posterity of the righteous will be delivered.
22 [As] a ring of gold in a swine's snout, [So is] a lovely woman who lacks discretion.
23 The desire of the righteous [is] only good, [But] the expectation of the wicked [is] wrath.
24 There is [one] who scatters, yet increases more; And there is [one] who withholds more than is right, But it [leads] to poverty.
25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself.
26 The people will curse him who withholds grain, But blessing [will be] on the head of him who sells [it.]
27 He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, But trouble will come to him who seeks [evil.]
28 He who trusts in his riches will fall, But the righteous will flourish like foliage.
29 He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, And the fool [will be] servant to the wise of heart.
30 The fruit of the righteous [is a] tree of life, And he who wins souls [is] wise.
31 If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, How much more the ungodly and the sinner.
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.