« | Proverbs 16 | » |
1 The ordering of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from Jehovah.
2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own eyes, but Jehovah weighs the spirits.
3 Roll your works upon Jehovah, and your thoughts shall be established.
4 Jehovah has made all for His purpose; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.
5 Everyone proud in heart is hateful to Jehovah; though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.
6 By mercy and truth, iniquity is purged, and by the fear of Jehovah men turn away from evil.
7 When a man's ways please Jehovah, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better is a little with righteousness than great gain without right.
9 A man's heart plans his way, but Jehovah directs his steps.
10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth does not transgress in judgment.
11 A just weight and balance are Jehovah's; all the weights of the bag are His work.
12 It is a hateful thing for kings to commit wickedness; for the throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks right.
14 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death, but a wise man will quiet it.
15 In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain.
16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is rather to be chosen than silver!
17 The way of the upright is to turn away from evil; he who keeps his way guards his way.
18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 It is better to be of an humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who handles a matter wisely shall find good, and whoever trusts in Jehovah, happy is he.
21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22 Understanding is a fountain of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is folly.
23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.
25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it is the ways of death.
26 He who labors works for himself, for his mouth craves it from him.
27 An ungodly man plots evil, and his lips are like a burning fire.
28 A perverse man causes fighting, and a whisperer separates chief friends.
29 A violent man lures his neighbor and makes him go in a way not good.
30 He shuts his eyes to think of perverse things; moving his lips, he brings evil to pass.
31 The gray head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing of it is from Jehovah.
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.