« | Proverbs 18 | » |
1 A man who wishes to separate from friends seeks excuses, but at all times he will be liable to reproach.
2 A senseless man feels no need of wisdom, for he is rather led by folly.
3 When an ungodly man comes into a depth of evils, he despises [them]; but dishonor and reproach come upon him.
4 A word in the heart of a man is a deep water, and a river and fountain of life spring forth.
5 [It is] not good to accept the person of the ungodly, nor is it holy to pervert justice in judgment.
6 The lips of a fool bring him into troubles, and his bold mouth calls for death.
7 A fool's mouth is ruin to him, and his lips are a snare to his soul.
8 Fear casts down the slothful, and the souls of the effeminate shall hunger.
9 A man who helps not himself by his labor is brother of him that ruins himself.
10 The name of the Lord is of great strength; and the righteous running to it are exalted.
11 The wealth of a rich man is a strong city, and its glory casts a broad shadow.
12 Before ruin a man's heart is exalted, and before honor it is humble.
13 Whoever answers a word before he hears [a cause], it is folly and reproach to him.
14 A wise servant calms a man's anger, but who can endure a faint-hearted man?
15 The heart of the sensible man purchases discretion, and the ears of the wise seek understanding.
16 A man's gift enlarges him, and seats him among princes.
17 A righteous man accuses himself at the beginning of his speech, but when he has entered upon the attack, the adversary is reproved.
18 A silent [man] quells strife, and determines between great powers.
19 A brother helped by a brother is as a strong and high city, and is as strong as a well-founded palace.
20 A man fills his belly with the fruits of his mouth, and he shall be satisfied with the fruits of his lips.
21 Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and they that rule it shall eat the fruits thereof.
22 He that has found a good wife has found favors, and has received favor from God. [ 18:22A] He that puts away a good wife, puts away a good thing, and he that keeps an adulteress is foolish and ungodly.
23 [This translation omits this verse.]
24 [This translation omits this verse.]
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.