« | Proverbs 16 | » |
1 The plans 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 thoughts of the heart.
3 Trust your work to the Lord, and your plans will work out well.
4 The Lord has made all things for His own plans, even the sinful for the day of trouble.
5 Everyone who is proud in heart is a shame to the Lord. For sure, that one will be punished.
6 Sin has been paid for by lovingkindness and truth. The fear of the Lord keeps one away from sin.
7 When the ways of a man are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even those who hate him to be at peace with him.
8 A little earned in a right way is better than much earned in a wrong way.
9 The mind of a man plans his way, but the Lord shows him what to do.
10 The lips of the king should decide as God would. His mouth should not sin in deciding what is right or wrong.
11 What is fair in telling the weight of something belongs to the Lord. He cares about all the weights of the bag.
12 It is a hated thing for kings to do what is wrong. For a throne is built on what is right.
13 Lips that speak what is right and good are the joy of kings, and he who speaks the truth is loved.
14 The anger of a king carries death, but a wise man will quiet it.
15 Life is in the light of a king's face, and his favor is like a cloud bringing the spring rain.
16 To get wisdom is much better than getting gold. To get understanding should be chosen instead of silver.
17 The road of the faithful turns away from sin. He who watches his way keeps his life.
18 Pride comes before being destroyed and a proud spirit comes before a fall.
19 It is better to be poor in spirit among poor people, than to divide the riches that were taken with the proud.
20 He who listens to the Word will find good, and happy is he who trusts in the Lord.
21 The wise in heart will be called understanding. And to speak in a pleasing way helps people know what you say is right.
22 Understanding is a well of life to him who has it, but to speak strong words to fools is of no use.
23 The heart of the wise has power over his mouth and adds learning to his lips.
24 Pleasing words are like honey. They are sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
25 There is a way that looks right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
26 A workman's hunger works for him. The need of his mouth pushes him on.
27 A man of no worth looks for wrong-doing. His words are like burning fire.
28 A bad man spreads trouble. One who hurts people with bad talk separates good friends.
29 A man who hurts people tempts his neighbor to do the same, and leads him in a way that is not good.
30 He who winks his eyes plans to do bad things. He who closes his lips allows sinful things to happen.
31 Hair that is turning white is like a crown of honor. It is found in the way of being right with God.
32 He who is slow to anger is better than the powerful. And he who rules his spirit is better than he who takes a city.
33 Man decides by throwing an object into the lap, but it is the Lord only who decides.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.