« | Proverbs 16 | » |
1 The preparations of the heart [belong] to man, But the answer of the tongue [is] from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man [are] pure in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the spirits.
3 Commit your works to the LORD, And your thoughts will be established.
4 The LORD has made all for Himself, Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.
5 Everyone proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD; [Though they join] forces, none will go unpunished.
6 In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the LORD [one] departs from evil.
7 When a man's ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
8 Better [is] a little with righteousness, Than vast revenues without justice.
9 A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
10 Divination [is] on the lips of the king; His mouth must not transgress in judgment.
11 Honest weights and scales [are] the LORD's; All the weights in the bag [are] His work.
12 [It is] an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, For a throne is established by righteousness.
13 Righteous lips [are] the delight of kings, And they love him who speaks [what is] right.
14 As messengers of death [is] the king's wrath, But a wise man will appease 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 to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
17 The highway of the upright [is] to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
18 Pride [goes] before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.
19 Better [to be] of a humble spirit with the lowly, Than to divide the spoil with the proud.
20 He who heeds the word wisely will find good, And whoever trusts in the LORD, happy [is] he.
21 The wise in heart will be called prudent, And sweetness of the lips increases learning.
22 Understanding [is] a wellspring of life to him who has it. But the correction 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, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.
25 There is a way [that seems] right to a man, But its end [is] the way of death.
26 The person who labors, labors for himself, For his [hungry] mouth drives him [on.]
27 An ungodly man digs up evil, And [it is] on his lips like a burning fire.
28 A perverse man sows strife, And a whisperer separates the best of friends.
29 A violent man entices his neighbor, And leads him in a way [that is] not good.
30 He winks his eye to devise perverse things; He purses his lips [and] brings about evil.
31 The silver-haired 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 than he who takes a city.
33 The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision [is] from the LORD.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.