« | Proverbs 20 | » |
1 Wine and beer make people loud and uncontrolled; it is not wise to get drunk on them.
2 An angry king is like a roaring lion. Making him angry may cost you your life.
3 Foolish people are always fighting, but avoiding quarrels will bring you honor.
4 Lazy farmers don't plow when they should; they expect a harvest, but there is none.
5 People's thoughts can be like a deep well, but someone with understanding can find the wisdom there.
6 Many people claim to be loyal, but it is hard to find a trustworthy person.
7 The good people who live honest lives will be a blessing to their children.
8 When a king sits on his throne to judge, he knows evil when he sees it.
9 No one can say, "I am innocent; I have never done anything wrong."
10 The Lord hates both these things: dishonest weights and dishonest measures.
11 Even children are known by their behavior; their actions show if they are innocent and good.
12 The Lord has made both these things: ears to hear and eyes to see.
13 If you love to sleep, you will be poor. If you stay awake, you will have plenty of food.
14 Buyers say, "This is bad. It's no good." Then they go away and brag about what they bought.
15 There is gold and plenty of rubies, but only a few people speak with knowledge.
16 Take the coat of someone who promises to pay a stranger's debts, and keep it until he pays what the stranger owes.
17 Stolen food may taste sweet at first, but later it will feel like a mouth full of gravel.
18 Get advice if you want your plans to work. If you go to war, get the advice of others.
19 Gossips can't keep secrets, so avoid people who talk too much.
20 Those who curse their father or mother will be like a light going out in darkness.
21 Wealth inherited quickly in the beginning will do you no good in the end.
22 Don't say, "I'll pay you back for the wrong you did." Wait for the Lord, and he will make things right.
23 The Lord hates dishonest weights, and dishonest scales do not please him.
24 The Lord decides what a person will do; no one understands what his life is all about.
25 It's dangerous to promise something to God too quickly. After you've thought about it, it may be too late.
26 A wise king sorts out the evil people, and he punishes them as they deserve.
27 The Lord looks deep inside people and searches through their thoughts.
28 Loyalty and truth keep a king in power; he continues to rule if he is loyal.
29 Young men glory in their strength, and old men are honored for their gray hair.
30 Hard punishment will get rid of evil, and whippings can change an evil heart.
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.