« | Proverbs 12 | » |
1 He that loves instruction loves sense, but he that hates reproofs is a fool.
2 He that has found favor with the Lord is [made] better, but a transgressor shall be passed over in silence.
3 A man shall not prosper by wickedness, but the roots of the righteous shall not be taken up.
4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but as a worm in wood, so a bad woman destroys her husband.
5 The thoughts of the righteous [are true] judgments, but ungodly men devise deceits.
6 The words of ungodly men are crafty, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them.
7 When the ungodly is overthrown, he vanishes away, but the houses of the just remain.
8 The mouth of an understanding man is praised by a man, but he that is dull of heart is had in derision.
9 Better is a man in dishonor serving himself, than one honoring himself and wanting bread.
10 A righteous man has pity for the lives of his cattle, but the bowels of the ungodly are unmerciful.
11 He that tills his own land shall be satisfied with bread; but they that pursue vanities are void of understanding. [ 12:11A] He that enjoys himself in banquets of wine, shall leave dishonor in his own strongholds.
12 The desires of the ungodly are evil, but the roots of the godly are firmly set.
13 For the sin of his lips a sinner falls into snare, but a righteous man escapes from them. [ 12:13A] He whose looks are gentle shall be pitied, but he that contends in the gates will afflict souls.
14 The soul of a man shall be filled with good from the fruits of his mouth, and the recompense of his lips shall be given to him.
15 The ways of fools are right in their own eyes, but a wise man heeds counsel.
16 A fool declares his wrath the same day, but a prudent man hides his own disgrace.
17 A righteous man declares the open truth, but an unjust witness is deceitful.
18 Some wound as they speak, like swords, but the tongues of the wise heal.
19 True lips establish testimony, but a hasty witness has an unjust tongue.
20 [There is] deceit in the heart of him that imagines evil, but they that love peace shall rejoice.
21 No injustice will please a just man, but the ungodly will be filled with mischief.
22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but he that deals faithfully is accepted by Him.
23 An understanding man is a throne of wisdom, but the heart of fools shall meet with curses.
24 The hand of chosen men shall easily obtain rule, but the deceitful shall be for a prey.
25 A terrible word troubles the heart of a righteous man, but a good message rejoices him.
26 A just arbitrator shall be his own friend, but mischief shall pursue sinners, and the way of ungodly men shall lead them astray.
27 A deceitful man shall catch no game, but a blameless man is a precious possession.
28 In the ways of righteousness is life, but the ways of those that remember injuries [lead] to death.
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.