« | Proverbs 15 | » |
1 A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up.
2 Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness.
3 The LORD sees everything, whether good or bad.
4 Kind words are good medicine, but deceitful words can really hurt.
5 Don't be a fool and disobey your parents. Be smart! Accept correction.
6 Good people become wealthy, but those who are evil will lose what they have.
7 Words of wisdom make good sense; the thoughts of a fool make no sense at all.
8 The LORD is disgusted by gifts from the wicked, but it makes him happy when his people pray.
9 The LORD is disgusted with all who do wrong, but he loves everyone who does right.
10 If you turn from the right way, you will be punished; if you refuse correction, you will die.
11 If the LORD can see everything in the world of the dead, he can see in our hearts.
12 Those who sneer at others don't like to be corrected, and they won't ask help from someone with sense.
13 Happiness makes you smile; sorrow can crush you.
14 Anyone with good sense is eager to learn more, but fools are hungry for foolishness.
15 The poor have a hard life, but being content is as good as an endless feast.
16 It's better to obey the LORD and have only a little, than to be very rich and terribly confused.
17 A simple meal with love is better than a feast where there is hatred.
18 Losing your temper causes a lot of trouble, but staying calm settles arguments.
19 Being lazy is like walking in a thorn patch, but everyone who does right walks on a smooth road.
20 Children with good sense make their parents happy, but foolish children are hateful to them.
21 Stupidity brings happiness to senseless fools, but everyone with good sense follows the straight path.
22 Without good advice everything goes wrong-- it takes careful planning for things to go right.
23 Giving the right answer at the right time makes everyone happy.
24 All who are wise follow a road that leads upward to life and away from death.
25 The LORD destroys the homes of those who are proud, but he protects the property of widows.
26 The LORD hates evil thoughts, but kind words please him.
27 Being greedy causes trouble for your family, but you protect yourself by refusing bribes.
28 Good people think before they answer, but the wicked speak evil without ever thinking.
29 The LORD never even hears the prayers of the wicked, but he answers the prayers of all who obey him.
30 A friendly smile makes you happy, and good news makes you feel strong.
31 Healthy correction is good, and if you accept it, you will be wise.
32 You hurt only yourself by rejecting instruction, but it makes good sense to accept it.
33 Showing respect to the LORD will make you wise, and being humble will bring honor to you.
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.