« | Proverbs 18 | » |
1 He that separates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound wisdom.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only that his heart may lay itself bare.
3 When the wicked comes, scorn also comes, and with shame comes reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth are like deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It is not good to favor the person of the wicked, nor to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into argument, and his mouth calls for strokes.
7 A fool's mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
9 Also he who is slack in his work is brother to a great destroyer.
10 The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
11 The rich man's wealth is his strong city, and as a high wall in his own mind.
12 Before shattering, the heart of man is proud, and before honor is humility.
13 If one answers a matter before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will nourish his sickness, but a wounded spirit who can bear?
15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.
16 A man's gift makes room for him, and brings him before great men.
17 The first in his cause seems just, but his neighbor comes and searches him.
18 The lot causes arguments to cease, and divides between the mighty.
19 A brother offended is like a strong city; and their disagreements are like the bars of a fortress.
20 A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; he shall be satisfied with the product of his lips.
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat the fruit of it.
22 Whoever finds a wife finds good and gets favor from Jehovah.
23 The poor speaks humble requests, but the rich answers roughly.
24 A man who has friends may be broken up, but there is a Lover who sticks closer than a brother.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.