« | Proverbs 17 | » |
1 It is better to eat a dry crust of bread in peace than to have a feast where there is quarreling.
2 A wise servant will rule over the master's disgraceful child and will even inherit a share of what the master leaves his children.
3 A hot furnace tests silver and gold, but the Lord tests hearts.
4 Evil people listen to evil words. Liars pay attention to cruel words.
5 Whoever mistreats the poor insults their Maker; whoever enjoys someone's trouble will be punished.
6 Old people are proud of their grandchildren, and children are proud of their parents.
7 Fools should not be proud, and rulers should not be liars.
8 Some people think they can pay others to do anything they ask. They think it will work every time.
9 Whoever forgives someone's sin makes a friend, but gossiping about the sin breaks up friendships.
10 A wise person will learn more from a warning than a fool will learn from a hundred lashings.
11 Disobedient people look only for trouble, so a cruel messenger will be sent against them.
12 It is better to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to meet a fool doing foolish things.
13 Whoever gives evil in return for good will always have trouble at home.
14 Starting a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before a fight breaks out.
15 The Lord hates both of these things: freeing the guilty and punishing the innocent.
16 It won't do a fool any good to try to buy wisdom, because he doesn't have the ability to be wise.
17 A friend loves you all the time, and a brother helps in time of trouble.
18 It is not wise to promise to pay what your neighbor owes.
19 Whoever loves to argue loves to sin. Whoever brags a lot is asking for trouble.
20 A person with an evil heart will find no success, and the person whose words are evil will get into trouble.
21 It is sad to have a foolish child; there is no joy in being the parent of a fool.
22 A happy heart is like good medicine, but a broken spirit drains your strength.
23 When the wicked accept money to do wrong there can be no justice.
24 The person with understanding is always looking for wisdom, but the mind of a fool wanders everywhere.
25 A foolish son makes his father sad and causes his mother great sorrow.
26 It is not good to punish the innocent or to beat leaders for being honest.
27 The smart person says very little, and one with understanding stays calm.
28 Even fools seem to be wise if they keep quiet; if they don't speak, they appear to understand.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.