« | Proverbs 13 | » |
1 Children with good sense accept correction from their parents, but stubborn children ignore it completely.
2 You will be well rewarded for saying something kind, but all some people think about is how to be cruel and mean.
3 Keep what you know to yourself, and you will be safe; talk too much, and you are done for.
4 No matter how much you want, laziness won't help a bit, but hard work will reward you with more than enough.
5 A good person hates deceit, but those who are evil cause shame and disgrace.
6 Live right, and you are safe! But sin will destroy you.
7 Some who have nothing may pretend to be rich, and some who have everything may pretend to be poor.
8 The rich may have to pay a ransom, but the poor don't have that problem.
9 The lamp of a good person keeps on shining; the lamp of an evil person soon goes out.
10 Too much pride causes trouble. Be sensible and take advice.
11 Money wrongly gotten will disappear bit by bit; money earned little by little will grow and grow.
12 Not getting what you want can make you feel sick, but a wish that comes true is a life-giving tree.
13 If you reject God's teaching, you will pay the price; if you obey his commands, you will be rewarded.
14 Sensible instruction is a life-giving fountain that helps you escape all deadly traps.
15 Sound judgment is praised, but people without good sense are on the way to disaster.
16 If you have good sense, you will act sensibly, but fools act like fools.
17 Whoever delivers your message can make things better or worse for you.
18 All who refuse correction will be poor and disgraced; all who accept correction will be praised.
19 It's a good feeling to get what you want, but only a stupid fool hates to turn from evil.
20 Wise friends make you wise, but you hurt yourself by going around with fools.
21 You are in for trouble if you sin, but you will be rewarded if you live right.
22 If you obey God, you will have something to leave your grandchildren. If you don't obey God, those who live right will get what you leave.
23 Even when the land of the poor produces good crops, they get cheated out of what they grow.
24 If you love your children, you will correct them; if you don't love them, you won't correct them.
25 If you live right, you will have plenty to eat; if you don't live right, you will go away empty.
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.