« | Proverbs 17 | » |
1 Better is a morsel with pleasure in peace, than a house [full] of many good things and unjust sacrifices, with strife.
2 A wise servant shall have rule over foolish masters, and shall divide portions among brethren.
3 As silver and gold are tried in a furnace, so are choice hearts with the Lord.
4 A bad man listens to the tongue of transgressors, but a righteous man attends not to false lips.
5 He that laughs at the poor provokes Him that made him, and he that rejoices at the destruction of another shall not be held guiltless; but he that has compassion shall find mercy.
6 Children's children are the crown of old men; and their fathers are the glory of children. [ 17:6A] The faithful has the whole world full of wealth; but the faithless not even a farthing.
7 Faithful lips will not suit a fool; nor lying lips a just man.
8 Instruction is to them that use it a gracious reward; and wherever it may turn, it shall prosper.
9 He that conceals injuries seeks love, but he that hates to hide [them] separates friends and kindred.
10 A threat breaks down the heart of a wise man, but a fool, though scourged, understands not.
11 Every bad man stirs up strife, but the Lord will send out against him an unmerciful messenger.
12 Care may befall a man of understanding, but fools will meditate evils.
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not be removed from his house.
14 Rightful rule gives power to words, but sedition and strife precede poverty.
15 He that pronounces the unjust just, and the just unjust, is unclean and abominable before God.
16 Why has the fool wealth? For a senseless man will not be able to purchase wisdom. [ 17:16A] He that exalts his own house seeks ruin, and he that turns aside from instruction shall fall into mischief.
17 A friend loves at all times, and let brothers be useful in distress, for on this account are they born.
18 A foolish man applauds and rejoices over himself, as he also that becomes surety would make himself responsible for his own friends.
19 A lover of sin rejoices in strife,
20 and the hard-hearted man finds no good. A man of a changeful tongue will fall into mischief,
21 and the heart of a fool is grief to its possessor. A father rejoices not over an uninstructed son, but a wise son gladdens his mother.
22 A glad heart promotes health, but the bones of a sorrowful man dry up.
23 The ways of a man who unjustly receives gifts in his bosom do not prosper, and an ungodly man perverts the ways of righteousness.
24 The countenance of a wise man is sensible, but the eyes of a fool go to the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son [is a cause of] anger to his father, and grief to her that bore him.
26 [It is] not right to punish a righteous man, nor [is it] holy to plot against righteous princes.
27 He that forbears to utter a hard word is discreet, and a patient man is wise.
28 Wisdom shall be imputed to a fool who asks after wisdom, and he who holds his peace shall seem to be sensible.
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.