« | Proverbs 15 | » |
1 A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.
2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness.
3 The eyes of Jehovah are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.
4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but crookedness in it is a break in the spirit.
5 A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who listens to correction is wise.
6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but in the gain of the wicked is trouble.
7 The lips of the righteous send forth knowledge, but the heart of the foolish is not so.
8 The sacrifice of the wicked is a hateful thing to Jehovah, but the prayer of the upright is His delight.
9 The way of the wicked is hateful to Jehovah, but He loves him who pursues righteousness.
10 Correction is grievous to him who forsakes the way; he who hates reproof shall die.
11 Hell and destruction are before Jehovah; even more the hearts of the sons of men.
12 A scorner does not love one who corrects him, nor will he go to the wise.
13 A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken.
14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness.
15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but gladness of heart is a continual feast.
16 Better is a little with the fear of Jehovah than great treasure and tumult with it.
17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred with it.
18 A wrathful man stirs up fighting, but one slow to anger calms fighting.
19 The way of the lazy one is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the righteous is made plain.
20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother.
21 Folly is joy to him who is without any wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly.
22 Without wisdom, purposes are defeated, but by many wise men they are established.
23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word in due season, how good it is!
24 The way of life is above to the wise, so that he may turn away from hell below.
25 Jehovah will destroy the house of the proud, but He will set up the border of the widow.
26 The thoughts of the wicked are very hateful to Jehovah, but the words of the pure are pleasant words.
27 He who is greedy for gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes shall live.
28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.
29 Jehovah is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous.
30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart; a good report makes the bones fat.
31 The ear that hears the reproof of life shall remain among the wise.
32 He who refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he who hears reproof gets understanding.
33 The fear of Jehovah is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.