« | Proverbs 20 | » |
1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.
2 The dread anger of a king is like the growling of a lion; anyone who provokes him to anger forfeits life itself.
3 It is honorable to refrain from strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel.
4 The lazy person does not plow in season; harvest comes, and there is nothing to be found.
5 The purposes in the human mind are like deep water, but the intelligent will draw them out.
6 Many proclaim themselves loyal, but who can find one worthy of trust?
7 The righteous walk in integrity-- happy are the children who follow them!
8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment winnows all evil with his eyes.
9 Who can say, "I have made my heart clean; I am pure from my sin"?
10 Diverse weights and diverse measures are both alike an abomination to the LORD.
11 Even children make themselves known by their acts, by whether what they do is pure and right.
12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye-- the LORD has made them both.
13 Do not love sleep, or else you will come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread.
14 "Bad, bad," says the buyer, then goes away and boasts.
15 There is gold, and abundance of costly stones; but the lips informed by knowledge are a precious jewel.
16 Take the garment of one who has given surety for a stranger; seize the pledge given as surety for foreigners.
17 Bread gained by deceit is sweet, but afterward the mouth will be full of gravel.
18 Plans are established by taking advice; wage war by following wise guidance.
19 A gossip reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a babbler.
20 If you curse father or mother, your lamp will go out in utter darkness.
21 An estate quickly acquired in the beginning will not be blessed in the end.
22 Do not say, "I will repay evil"; wait for the LORD, and he will help you.
23 Differing weights are an abomination to the LORD, and false scales are not good.
24 All our steps are ordered by the LORD; how then can we understand our own ways?
25 It is a snare for one to say rashly, "It is holy," and begin to reflect only after making a vow.
26 A wise king winnows the wicked, and drives the wheel over them.
27 The human spirit is the lamp of the LORD, searching every inmost part.
28 Loyalty and faithfulness preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by righteousness.
29 The glory of youths is their strength, but the beauty of the aged is their gray hair.
30 Blows that wound cleanse away evil; beatings make clean the innermost parts.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as an update to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1952, with the goal of incorporating the latest biblical scholarship and addressing changes in the English language. The NRSV is renowned for its accuracy, literary quality, and ecumenical approach, making it a preferred choice for both academic study and liturgical use across various Christian denominations.
One of the primary features of the NRSV is its commitment to being a literal, or word-for-word, translation while also ensuring that the text is clear and comprehensible for modern readers. The translation team, which included scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, aimed to produce a text that faithfully represents the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This dedication to precision and clarity makes the NRSV an excellent resource for in-depth study and theological reflection, as it strives to convey the exact meaning of the original texts.
The NRSV is also notable for its inclusive language, which seeks to reflect the diversity of the contemporary Christian community. The translators took great care to avoid gender-specific language when the original texts did not explicitly require it, making the text more inclusive and accessible to all readers. This approach has been particularly appreciated in academic and liturgical settings, where sensitivity to gender and inclusivity are important considerations. The NRSV’s attention to inclusive language helps ensure that all readers can see themselves reflected in the biblical narrative.
Despite its many strengths, the NRSV has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more traditional translations. Critics argue that the use of inclusive language can sometimes lead to interpretations that differ from the original intent of the texts. Additionally, some conservative scholars and readers feel that the NRSV’s ecumenical approach may result in compromises on certain theological nuances. Nonetheless, the New Revised Standard Version remains a highly valued translation, widely used in churches, seminaries, and universities for its scholarly rigor, literary excellence, and commitment to inclusivity.