« | Proverbs 21 | » |
1 The Lord can control a king's mind as he controls a river; he can direct it as he pleases.
2 You may believe you are doing right, but the Lord judges your reasons.
3 Doing what is right and fair is more important to the Lord than sacrifices.
4 Proud looks, proud thoughts, and evil actions are sin.
5 The plans of hard-working people earn a profit, but those who act too quickly become poor.
6 Wealth that comes from telling lies vanishes like a mist and leads to death.
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, because they refuse to do what is right.
8 Guilty people live dishonest lives, but honest people do right.
9 It is better to live in a corner on the roofn than inside the house with a quarreling wife.
10 Evil people only want to harm others. Their neighbors get no mercy from them.
11 If you punish those who make fun of wisdom, a foolish person may gain some wisdom. But if you teach the wise, they will get knowledge.
12 God, who is always right, watches the house of the wicked and brings ruin on every evil person.
13 Whoever ignores the poor when they cry for help will also cry for help and not be answered.
14 A secret gift will calm an angry person; a present given in secrecy will quiet great anger.
15 When justice is done, good people are happy, but evil people are ruined.
16 Whoever does not use good sense will end up among the dead.
17 Whoever loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and perfume will never be rich.
18 Wicked people will suffer instead of good people, and those who cannot be trusted will suffer instead of those who do right.
19 It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarreling and complaining wife.
20 Wise people's houses are full of the best foods and olive oil, but fools waste everything they have.
21 Whoever tries to live right and be loyal finds life, success, and honor.
22 A wise person can defeat a city full of warriors and tear down the defenses they trust in.
23 Those who are careful about what they say keep themselves out of trouble.
24 People who act with stubborn pride are called "proud," "bragger," and "mocker."
25 Lazy people's desire for sleep will kill them, because they refuse to work.
26 All day long they wish for more, but good people give without holding back.
27 The Lord hates sacrifices brought by evil people, particularly when they offer them for the wrong reasons.
28 A lying witness will be forgotten, but a truthful witness will speak on.
29 Wicked people are stubborn, but good people think carefully about what they do.
30 There is no wisdom, understanding, or advice that can succeed against the Lord.
31 You can get the horses ready for battle, but it is the Lord who gives the victory.
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.