« | Proverbs 20 | » |
1 Wine is a mocker, and strong drink full of violence; but every fool is entangled with them.
2 The threat of a king differs not from the rage of a lion; and he that provokes him sins against his own soul.
3 [It is] a glory to a man to turn aside from railing, but every fool is entangled with such matters.
4 A sluggard when reproached is not ashamed; so also he who borrows grain in harvest.
5 Counsel in a man's heart is deep water, but a prudent man will draw it out.
6 A man is valuable and a merciful man precious, but it is hard to find a faithful man.
7 He that walks blameless in justice shall leave his children blessed.
8 Whenever a righteous king sits on the throne, no evil thing can stand before his presence.
9 Who will boast that he has a pure heart? Or who will boldly say that he is pure from sins?
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures, both of them are an abomination before the Lord, and so is he that makes them.
11 A youth [when in company] with a godly man, will be restrained in his devices, and then his way will be straight.
12 The ear hears, and the eye sees; even both of them are the Lord's work.
13 Love not to speak ill, lest you be cut off: open your eyes, and be filled with bread.
14 [This translation omits this verse.]
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20 The lamp of him that reviles father or mother shall be put out, and his eyes shall see darkness.
21 A portion hastily gotten at first shall not be blessed in the end.
22 Say not, I will avenge myself on my enemy, but wait on the Lord, that He may help you.
23 A double weight is an abomination to the Lord, and a deceitful balance is not good in His sight.
24 A man's steps are directed by the Lord: how then can a mortal understand His ways?
25 It is a snare to a man hastily to consecrate some of his own property: for [in that case] repentance comes after vowing.
26 A wise king utterly crushes the ungodly, and will bring a wheel upon them.
27 The spirit of man is a light of the Lord, who searches the inmost parts of the belly.
28 Mercy and truth are a guard to a king, and will surround his throne with righteousness.
29 Wisdom is an ornament to young men, and gray hairs are the glory of old men.
30 Bruises and contusions befall bad men, and plagues [shall come] in the inward parts of their belly.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.