« | Proverbs 17 | » |
1 Better [is] a dry morsel with quietness, Than a house full of feasting [with] strife.
2 A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame, And will share an inheritance among the brothers.
3 The refining pot [is] for silver and the furnace for gold, But the LORD tests the hearts.
4 An evildoer gives heed to false lips; A liar listens eagerly to a spiteful tongue.
5 He who mocks the poor reproaches his Maker; He who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.
6 Children's children [are] the crown of old men, And the glory of children [is] their father.
7 Excellent speech is not becoming to a fool, Much less lying lips to a prince.
8 A present [is] a precious stone in the eyes of its possessor; Wherever he turns, he prospers.
9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, But he who repeats a matter separates friends.
10 Rebuke is more effective for a wise [man] Than a hundred blows on a fool.
11 An evil [man] seeks only rebellion; Therefore a cruel messenger will be sent against him.
12 Let a man meet a bear robbed of her cubs, Rather than a fool in his folly.
13 Whoever rewards evil for good, Evil will not depart from his house.
14 The beginning of strife [is like] releasing water; Therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts.
15 He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike [are] an abomination to the LORD.
16 Why [is there] in the hand of a fool the purchase price of wisdom, Since [he has] no heart [for it?]
17 A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.
18 A man devoid of understanding shakes hands in a pledge, [And] becomes surety for his friend.
19 He who loves transgression loves strife, And he who exalts his gate seeks destruction.
20 He who has a deceitful heart finds no good, And he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil.
21 He who begets a scoffer [does so] to his sorrow, And the father of a fool has no joy.
22 A merry heart does good, [like] medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
23 A wicked [man] accepts a bribe behind the back To pervert the ways of justice.
24 Wisdom [is] in the sight of him who has understanding, But the eyes of a fool [are] on the ends of the earth.
25 A foolish son [is] a grief to his father, And bitterness to her who bore him.
26 Also, to punish the righteous [is] not good, [Nor] to strike princes for [their] uprightness.
27 He who has knowledge spares his words, [And] a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.
28 Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; [When] he shuts his lips, [he is considered] perceptive.
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.