« | Proverbs 18 | » |
1 A man who isolates himself seeks his own desire; He rages against all wise judgment.
2 A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart.
3 When the wicked comes, contempt comes also; And with dishonor [comes] reproach.
4 The words of a man's mouth [are] deep waters; The wellspring of wisdom [is] a flowing brook.
5 [It is] not good to show partiality to the wicked, [Or] to overthrow the righteous in judgment.
6 A fool's lips enter into contention, And his mouth calls for blows.
7 A fool's mouth [is] his destruction, And his lips [are] the snare of his soul.
8 The words of a talebearer [are] like tasty trifles, And they go down into the inmost body.
9 He who is slothful in his work Is a brother to him who is a great destroyer.
10 The name of the LORD [is] a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.
11 The rich man's wealth [is] his strong city, And like a high wall in his own esteem.
12 Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor [is] humility.
13 He who answers a matter before he hears [it,] It [is] folly and shame to him.
14 The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, But who can bear a broken spirit?
15 The heart of the prudent acquires 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 [one] to plead his cause [seems] right, Until his neighbor comes and examines him.
18 Casting lots causes contentions to cease, And keeps the mighty apart.
19 A brother offended [is harder to win] than a strong city, And contentions [are] like the bars of a castle.
20 A man's stomach shall be satisfied from the fruit of his mouth, [From] the produce of his lips he shall be filled.
21 Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
22 [He who] finds a wife finds a good [thing,] And obtains favor from the LORD.
23 The poor [man] uses entreaties, But the rich answers roughly.
24 A man [who has] friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend [who] sticks closer than a brother.
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.