« | Proverbs 18 | » |
1 It's selfish and stupid to think only of yourself and to sneer at people who have sense.
2 Fools have no desire to learn; they would much rather give their own opinion.
3 Wrongdoing leads to shame and disgrace.
4 Words of wisdom are a stream that flows from a deep fountain.
5 It's wrong to favor the guilty and keep the innocent from getting justice.
6 Foolish talk will get you into a lot of trouble.
7 Saying foolish things is like setting a trap to destroy yourself.
8 There's nothing so delicious as the taste of gossip! It melts in your mouth.
9 Being lazy is no different from being a troublemaker.
10 The LORD is a mighty tower where his people can run for safety--
11 the rich think their money is a wall of protection.
12 Pride leads to destruction; humility leads to honor.
13 It's stupid and embarrassing to give an answer before you listen.
14 Being cheerful helps when we are sick, but nothing helps when we give up.
15 Everyone with good sense wants to learn.
16 A gift will get you in to see anyone.
17 You may think you have won your case in court, until your opponent speaks.
18 Drawing straws is one way to settle a difficult case.
19 Making up with a friend you have offended is harder than breaking through a city wall.
20 Make your words good-- you will be glad you did.
21 Words can bring death or life! Talk too much, and you will eat everything you say.
22 A man's greatest treasure is his wife-- she is a gift from the LORD.
23 The poor must beg for help, but the rich can give a harsh reply.
24 Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family.
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.