« | Proverbs 12 | » |
1 Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction [is] stupid.
2 A good [man] obtains favor from the LORD, But a man of wicked intentions He will condemn.
3 A man is not established by wickedness, But the root of the righteous cannot be moved.
4 An excellent wife [is] the crown of her husband, But she who causes shame [is] like rottenness in his bones.
5 The thoughts of the righteous [are] right, [But] the counsels of the wicked [are] deceitful.
6 The words of the wicked [are,] "Lie in wait for blood," But the mouth of the upright will deliver them.
7 The wicked are overthrown and [are] no more, But the house of the righteous will stand.
8 A man will be commended according to his wisdom, But he who is of a perverse heart will be despised.
9 Better [is the one] who is slighted but has a servant, Than he who honors himself but lacks bread.
10 A righteous [man] regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked [are] cruel.
11 He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, But he who follows frivolity [is] devoid of understanding.
12 The wicked covet the catch of evil [men,] But the root of the righteous yields [fruit.]
13 The wicked is ensnared by the transgression of [his] lips, But the righteous will come through trouble.
14 A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of [his] mouth, And the recompense of a man's hands will be rendered to him.
15 The way of a fool [is] right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel [is] wise.
16 A fool's wrath is known at once, But a prudent [man] covers shame.
17 He [who] speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.
18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, But the tongue of the wise [promotes] health.
19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue [is] but for a moment.
20 Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, But counselors of peace have joy.
21 No grave trouble will overtake the righteous, But the wicked shall be filled with evil.
22 Lying lips [are] an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully [are] His delight.
23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, But the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.
24 The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy [man] will be put to forced labor.
25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, But a good word makes it glad.
26 The righteous should choose his friends carefully, For the way of the wicked leads them astray.
27 The lazy [man] does not roast what he took in hunting, But diligence [is] man's precious possession.
28 In the way of righteousness [is] life, And in [its] pathway [there is] no death.
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.