« | Proverbs 21 | » |
1 The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers.
2 We may think we are doing the right thing, but the LORD always knows what is in our hearts.
3 Doing what is right and fair pleases the LORD more than an offering.
4 Evil people are proud and arrogant, but sin is the only crop they produce.
5 If you plan and work hard, you will have plenty; if you get in a hurry, you will end up poor.
6 Cheating to get rich is a foolish dream and no less than suicide.
7 You destroy yourself by being cruel and violent and refusing to live right.
8 All crooks are liars, but anyone who is innocent will do right.
9 It's better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with a nagging wife.
10 Evil people want to do wrong, even to their friends.
11 An ignorant fool learns by seeing others punished; a sensible person learns by being instructed.
12 God is always fair! He knows what the wicked do and will punish them.
13 If you won't help the poor, don't expect to be heard when you cry out for help.
14 A secret bribe will save you from someone's fierce anger.
15 When justice is done, good citizens are glad and crooks are terrified.
16 If you stop using good sense, you will find yourself in the grave.
17 Heavy drinkers and others who live only for pleasure will lose all they have.
18 God's people will escape, but all who are wicked will pay the price.
19 It's better out in the desert than at home with a nagging, complaining wife.
20 Be sensible and store up precious treasures-- don't waste them like a fool.
21 If you try to be kind and good, you will be blessed with life and goodness and honor.
22 One wise person can defeat a city full of soldiers and capture their fortress.
23 Watching what you say can save you a lot of trouble.
24 If you are proud and conceited, everyone will say, "You're a snob!"
25 If you want too much and are too lazy to work, it could be fatal.
26 But people who obey God are always generous.
27 The Lord despises the offerings of wicked people with evil motives.
28 If you tell lies in court, you are done for; only a reliable witness can do the job.
29 Wicked people bluff their way, but God's people think before they take a step.
30 No matter how much you know or what plans you make, you can't defeat the LORD.
31 Even if your army has horses ready for battle, the LORD will always win.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.