« | Proverbs 19 | » |
1 Better [is] the poor who walks in his integrity Than [one who is] perverse in his lips, and is a fool.
2 Also it is not good [for] a soul [to be] without knowledge, And he sins who hastens with [his] feet.
3 The foolishness of a man twists his way, And his heart frets against the LORD.
4 Wealth makes many friends, But the poor is separated from his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, And [he who] speaks lies will not escape.
6 Many entreat the favor of the nobility, And every man [is] a friend to one who gives gifts.
7 All the brothers of the poor hate him; How much more do his friends go far from him! He may pursue [them with] words, [yet] they abandon [him.]
8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, And [he who] speaks lies shall perish.
10 Luxury is not fitting for a fool, Much less for a servant to rule over princes.
11 The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, And his glory [is] to overlook a transgression.
12 The king's wrath [is] like the roaring of a lion, But his favor [is] like dew on the grass.
13 A foolish son [is] the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife [are] a continual dripping.
14 Houses and riches [are] an inheritance from fathers, But a prudent wife [is] from the LORD.
15 Laziness casts [one] into a deep sleep, And an idle person will suffer hunger.
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, [But] he who is careless of his ways will die.
17 He who has pity on the poor lends to the LORD, And He will pay back what he has given.
18 Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.
19 [A man of] great wrath will suffer punishment; For if you rescue [him,] you will have to do it again.
20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days.
21 There are many plans in a man's heart, Nevertheless the LORD's counsel -- that will stand.
22 What is desired in a man is kindness, And a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD [leads] to life, And [he who has it] will abide in satisfaction; He will not be visited with evil.
24 A lazy [man] buries his hand in the bowl, And will not so much as bring it to his mouth again.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will become wary; Rebuke one who has understanding, [and] he will discern knowledge.
26 He who mistreats [his] father [and] chases away [his] mother [Is] a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27 Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A disreputable witness scorns justice, And the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Judgments are prepared for scoffers, And beatings for the backs of fools.
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.