« | Proverbs 2 | » |
1 My child, listen to what I say and remember what I command you.
2 Listen carefully to wisdom; set your mind on understanding.
3 Cry out for wisdom, and beg for understanding.
4 Search for it like silver, and hunt for it like hidden treasure.
5 Then you will understand respect for the Lord, and you will find that you know God.
6 Only the Lord gives wisdom; he gives knowledge and understanding.
7 He stores up wisdom for those who are honest. Like a shield he protects the innocent.
8 He makes sure that justice is done, and he protects those who are loyal to him.
9 Then you will understand what is honest and fair and what is the good and right thing to do.
10 Wisdom will come into your mind, and knowledge will be pleasing to you.
11 Good sense will protect you; understanding will guard you.
12 It will keep you from the wicked, from those whose words are bad,
13 who don't do what is right but what is evil.
14 They enjoy doing wrong and are happy to do what is crooked and evil.
15 What they do is wrong, and their ways are dishonest.
16 It will save you from the unfaithful wife who tries to lead you into adultery with pleasing words.
17 She leaves the husband she married when she was young. She ignores the promise she made before God.
18 Her house is on the way to death; those who took that path are now all dead.
19 No one who goes to her comes back or walks the path of life again.
20 But wisdom will help you be good and do what is right.
21 Those who are honest will live in the land, and those who are innocent will remain in it.
22 But the wicked will be removed from the land, and the unfaithful will be thrown out of it.
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.