« | Proverbs 18 | » |
1 Unfriendly people are selfish and hate all good sense.
2 Fools do not want to understand anything. They only want to tell others what they think.
3 Do something evil, and people won't like you. Do something shameful, and they will make fun of you.
4 Spoken words can be like deep water, but wisdom is like a flowing stream.
5 It is not good to honor the wicked or to be unfair to the innocent.
6 The words of fools start quarrels. They make people want to beat them.
7 The words of fools will ruin them; their own words will trap them.
8 The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food. People like to gobble them up.
9 A person who doesn't work hard is just like someone who destroys things.
10 The Lord is like a strong tower; those who do right can run to him for safety.
11 Rich people trust their wealth to protect them. They think it is like the high walls of a city.
12 Proud people will be ruined, but the humble will be honored.
13 Anyone who answers without listening is foolish and confused.
14 The will to live can get you through sickness, but no one can live with a broken spirit.
15 The mind of a person with understanding gets knowledge; the wise person listens to learn more.
16 Taking a gift to an important man will help get you in to see him.
17 The person who tells one side of a story seems right, until someone else comes and asks questions.
18 Throwing lots can settle arguments and keep the two sides from fighting.
19 A brother who has been insulted is harder to win back than a walled city, and arguments separate people like the barred gates of a palace.
20 People will be rewarded for what they say; they will be rewarded by how they speak.
21 What you say can mean life or death. Those who speak with care will be rewarded.
22 When a man finds a wife, he finds something good. It shows that the Lord is pleased with him.
23 The poor beg for mercy, but the rich give rude answers.
24 Some friends may ruin you, but a real friend will be more loyal than a brother.
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.