« | Proverbs 12 | » |
1 To accept correction is wise, to reject it is stupid.
2 The LORD likes everyone who lives right, but he punishes everyone who makes evil plans.
3 Sin cannot offer security! But if you live right, you will be as secure as a tree with deep roots.
4 A helpful wife is a jewel for her husband, but a shameless wife will make his bones rot.
5 Good people have kind thoughts, but you should never trust the advice of someone evil.
6 Bad advice is a deadly trap, but good advice is like a shield.
7 Once the wicked are defeated, they are gone forever, but no one who obeys God will ever be thrown down.
8 Good sense is worthy of praise, but stupidity is a curse.
9 It's better to be ordinary and have only one servant than to think you are somebody and starve to death.
10 Good people are kind to their animals, but a mean person is cruel.
11 Hard working farmers have more than enough food; daydreamers are nothing more than stupid fools.
12 An evil person tries to hide behind evil; good people are like trees with deep roots.
13 We trap ourselves by telling lies, but we stay out of trouble by living right.
14 We are rewarded or punished for what we say and do.
15 Fools think they know what is best, but a sensible person listens to advice.
16 Losing your temper is foolish; ignoring an insult is smart.
17 An honest person tells the truth in court, but a dishonest person tells nothing but lies.
18 Sharp words cut like a sword, but words of wisdom heal.
19 Truth will last forever; lies are soon found out.
20 An evil mind is deceitful, but gentle thoughts bring happiness.
21 Good people never have trouble, but troublemakers have more than enough.
22 The LORD hates every liar, but he is the friend of all who can be trusted.
23 Be sensible and don't tell everything you know-- only fools spread foolishness everywhere.
24 Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave.
25 Worry is a heavy burden, but a kind word always brings cheer.
26 You are better off to do right, than to lose your way by doing wrong.
27 Anyone too lazy to cook will starve, but a hard worker is a valuable treasure.
28 Follow the road to life, and you won't be bothered by death.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.