« | Proverbs 19 | » |
1 It is better to be poor and honest than to be foolish and tell lies.
2 Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good. If you act too quickly, you might make a mistake.
3 People's own foolishness ruins their lives, but in their minds they blame the Lord.
4 Wealthy people are always finding more friends, but the poor lose all theirs.
5 A witness who lies will not go free; liars will never escape.
6 Many people want to please a leader, and everyone is friends with those who give gifts.
7 Poor people's relatives avoid them; even their friends stay far away. They run after them, begging, but they are gone.
8 Those who get wisdom do themselves a favor, and those who love learning will succeed.
9 A witness who lies will not go free, liars will die.
10 A fool should not live in luxury. A slave should not rule over princes.
11 Smart people are patient; they will be honored if they ignore insults.
12 An angry king is like a roaring lion, but his kindness is like the dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son will ruin his father, and a quarreling wife is like dripping water.
14 Houses and wealth are inherited from parents, but a wise wife is a gift from the Lord.
15 Lazy people sleep a lot, and idle people will go hungry.
16 Those who obey the commands protect themselves, but those who are careless will die.
17 Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord; he will reward you for what you have done.
18 Correct your children while there is still hope; do not let them destroy themselves.
19 People with quick tempers will have to pay for it. If you help them out once, you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept correction, and in the end you will be wise.
21 People can make all kinds of plans, but only the Lord's plan will happen.
22 People want others to be loyal, so it is better to be poor than to be a liar.
23 Those who respect the Lord will live and be satisfied, unbothered by trouble.
24 Though the lazy person puts his hand in the dish, he won't lift the food to his mouth.
25 Whip those who make fun of wisdom, and perhaps foolish people will gain some wisdom. Correct those with understanding, and they will gain knowledge.
26 A son who robs his father and sends away his mother brings shame and disgrace on himself.
27 Don't stop listening to correction, my child, or you will forget what you have already learned.
28 An evil witness makes fun of fairness, and wicked people love what is evil.
29 People who make fun of wisdom will be punished, and the backs of foolish people will be beaten.
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.