« | Proverbs 16 | » |
1 [This translation omits this verse.]
2 [ 15:33A] All the works of the humble man are manifest with God, but the ungodly shall perish in an evil day.
3 [This translation omits this verse.]
4 [This translation omits this verse.]
5 Everyone that is proud in heart is unclean before God, and he that unjustly strikes hands with hand shall not be held guiltless.
6 [This translation omits this verse.]
7 [ 16:5A] The beginning of a good way is to do justly, and it is more acceptable with God than to offer sacrifices.
8 [ 16:5B] He that seeks the Lord shall find knowledge with righteousness, and they that rightly seek Him shall find peace.
9 [ 16:5C] All of the works of the Lord [are done] with righteousness, and the ungodly [man] is kept for the evil day.
10 [There is] an oracle upon the lips of a king, and his mouth shall not err in judgment.
11 The poise of the balance is righteousness with the Lord, and his works are righteous measures.
12 An evildoer is an abomination to a king, for the throne of rule is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are acceptable to a king, and he loves right words.
14 The anger of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify him.
15 The son of a king is in the light of life, and they that are in favor with him are as a cloud of latter rain.
16 The brood of wisdom is more to be chosen than gold, and the brood of prudence more to be chosen than silver.
17 The paths of life turn aside from evil, and the ways of righteousness are length of life. He that receives instruction shall be in prosperity, and he that regards reproofs shall be made wise. He that keeps his ways preserves his own soul, and he that loves his life will spare his mouth.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better is a meek-spirited man with lowliness, than one who divides spoils with the proud.
20 [He who is] skillful in business finds good, but he that trusts in God is most blessed.
21 [Men] call the wise and understanding evil, but they that are pleasing in speech shall hear more.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to its possessors, but the instruction of fools is evil.
23 The heart of the wise will discern the [things which proceed] from his own mouth, and on his lips he will wear knowledge.
24 Good words are [like] honeycombs, and the sweetness thereof is a healing of the soul.
25 There are ways that seem to be right to a man, but the end of them looks to the depth of hell.
26 A man who labors, labors for himself, and drives from him his own ruin.
27 But the perverse bears destruction upon his own mouth: a foolish man digs up evil for himself, and treasures fire on his own lips.
28 A perverse man spreads mischief, and will kindle a torch of deceit with mischief, and he separates friends.
29 A transgressor tries [to ensnare] friends, and leads them in ways [that are] not good.
30 And the man that fixes his eyes devises perverse things, and marks out with his lips all evil: he is a furnace of wickedness.
31 Old age is a crown of honor, but it is found in the ways of righteousness.
32 A man slow to anger is better than a strong man, and he that governs [his] temper better than he that takes a city.
33 All [evils] come upon the ungodly into their bosoms, but all good things [come] from the Lord.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.