« | Proverbs 19 | » |
1 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a man who is perverse in speech, and is a fool.
2 It is not good for a man to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet misses his way.
3 When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.
4 Wealth brings many new friends, but a poor man is deserted by his friend.
5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will not escape.
6 Many seek the favor of a generous man, and every one is a friend to a man who gives gifts.
7 All a poor man's brothers hate him; how much more do his friends go far from him! He pursues them with words, but does not have them.
8 He who gets wisdom loves himself; he who keeps understanding will prosper.
9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who utters lies will perish.
10 It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury, much less for a slave to rule over princes.
11 Good sense makes a man slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.
12 A king's wrath is like the growling of a lion, but his favor is like dew upon the grass.
13 A foolish son is ruin to his father, and a wife's quarreling is a continual dripping of rain.
14 House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the LORD.
15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer hunger.
16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his life; he who despises the word will die.
17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed.
18 Discipline your son while there is hope; do not set your heart on his destruction.
19 A man of great wrath will pay the penalty; for if you deliver him, you will only have to do it again.
20 Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom for the future.
21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will be established.
22 What is desired in a man is loyalty, and a poor man is better than a liar.
23 The fear of the LORD leads to life; and he who has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
24 The sluggard buries his hand in the dish, and will not even bring it back to his mouth.
25 Strike a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; reprove a man of understanding, and he will gain knowledge.
26 He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach.
27 Cease, my son, to hear instruction only to stray from the words of knowledge.
28 A worthless witness mocks at justice, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity.
29 Condemnation is ready for scoffers, and flogging for the backs of fools.
The Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is a widely respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1952 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901, with the primary aim of providing a more accurate and readable text while retaining the literary qualities of its predecessor. The RSV sought to modernize the language of the ASV without sacrificing its faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, making it a significant milestone in the history of English Bible translations.
One of the key features of the RSV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation approach. This method ensures that the translation closely mirrors the structure and wording of the original texts, allowing readers to engage more directly with the biblical languages. The translators of the RSV were guided by the latest biblical scholarship of their time, and they endeavored to produce a text that was both accurate and elegant. This combination of precision and literary quality has made the RSV a popular choice for both academic study and liturgical use.
The RSV also stands out for its ecumenical appeal. It was one of the first translations to be accepted across a wide range of Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. This broad acceptance was partly due to the inclusive approach of the translation committee, which included scholars from various religious backgrounds. The RSV’s ecumenical nature helped it gain widespread usage in churches, seminaries, and universities, fostering a greater sense of unity among different Christian communities.
Despite its many strengths, the RSV has faced some criticism over the years. Some conservative scholars and readers have expressed concerns about certain translation choices, arguing that they reflect modernist theological perspectives. Additionally, the RSV’s use of archaic language in certain passages has been a point of contention for those seeking a more contemporary rendering of the Bible. Nonetheless, the Revised Standard Version remains a highly respected and influential translation, valued for its accuracy, literary excellence, and broad ecumenical acceptance. It continues to serve as a foundation for later revisions and translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the English Standard Version (ESV).