« | Proverbs 21 | » |
1 The king's heart [is] in the hand of the LORD, [Like] the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
2 Every way of a man [is] right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.
3 To do righteousness and justice [Is] more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 A haughty look, a proud heart, [And] the plowing of the wicked [are] sin.
5 The plans of the diligent [lead] surely to plenty, But [those of] everyone [who is] hasty, surely to poverty.
6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue [Is] the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.
7 The violence of the wicked will destroy them, Because they refuse to do justice.
8 The way of a guilty man [is] perverse; But [as for] the pure, his work [is] right.
9 Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise; But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.
12 The righteous [God] wisely considers the house of the wicked, Overthrowing the wicked for [their] wickedness.
13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor Will also cry himself and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, And a bribe behind the back, strong wrath.
15 [It is] a joy for the just to do justice, But destruction [will come] to the workers of iniquity.
16 A man who wanders from the way of understanding Will rest in the assembly of the dead.
17 He who loves pleasure [will be] a poor man; He who loves wine and oil will not be rich.
18 The wicked [shall be] a ransom for the righteous, And the unfaithful for the upright.
19 Better to dwell in the wilderness, Than with a contentious and angry woman.
20 [There is] desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.
21 He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness and honor.
22 A wise [man] scales the city of the mighty, And brings down the trusted stronghold.
23 Whoever guards his mouth and tongue Keeps his soul from troubles.
24 A proud [and] haughty [man -- "Scoffer" is] his name; He acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the lazy [man] kills him, For his hands refuse to labor.
26 He covets greedily all day long, But the righteous gives and does not spare.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked [is] an abomination; How much more [when] he brings it with wicked intent!
28 A false witness shall perish, But the man who hears [him] will speak endlessly.
29 A wicked man hardens his face, But [as for] the upright, he establishes his way.
30 [There is] no wisdom or understanding Or counsel against the LORD.
31 The horse [is] prepared for the day of battle, But deliverance [is] of the LORD.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.