« | Proverbs 17 | » |
1 A dry crust of bread eaten in peace and quiet is better than a feast eaten where everyone argues.
2 A hard-working slave will be placed in charge of a no-good child, and that slave will be given the same inheritance that each child receives.
3 Silver and gold are tested by flames of fire; our thoughts are tested by the LORD.
4 Troublemakers listen to troublemakers, and liars listen to liars.
5 By insulting the poor, you insult your Creator. You will be punished if you make fun of someone in trouble.
6 Grandparents are proud of their grandchildren, and children should be proud of their parents.
7 It sounds strange for a fool to talk sensibly, but it's even worse for a ruler to tell lies.
8 A bribe works miracles like a magic charm that brings good luck.
9 You will keep your friends if you forgive them, but you will lose your friends if you keep talking about what they did wrong.
10 A sensible person accepts correction, but you can't beat sense into a fool.
11 Cruel people want to rebel, and so vicious attackers will be sent against them.
12 A bear robbed of her cubs is far less dangerous than a stubborn fool.
13 You will always have trouble if you are mean to those who are good to you.
14 The start of an argument is like a water leak-- so stop it before real trouble breaks out.
15 The LORD doesn't like those who defend the guilty or condemn the innocent.
16 Why should fools have money for an education when they refuse to learn?
17 A friend is always a friend, and relatives are born to share our troubles.
18 It's stupid to guarantee someone else's loan.
19 The wicked and the proud love trouble and keep begging to be hurt.
20 Dishonesty does you no good, and telling lies will get you in trouble.
21 It's never pleasant to be the parent of a fool and have nothing but pain.
22 If you are cheerful, you feel good; if you are sad, you hurt all over.
23 Crooks accept secret bribes to keep justice from being done.
24 Anyone with wisdom knows what makes good sense, but fools can never make up their minds.
25 Foolish children bring sorrow to their father and pain to their mother.
26 It isn't fair to punish the innocent and those who do right.
27 It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words and to stay calm.
28 Even fools seem smart when they are quiet.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.