« | Proverbs 21 | » |
1 The heart of the king is like rivers of water in the hand of the Lord. He turns it where He wishes.
2 Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the Lord knows the hearts.
3 To do what is right and good and fair is more pleasing to the Lord than gifts given on the altar in worship.
4 Eyes lifted high and a proud heart is sin and is the lamp of the sinful.
5 The plans of those who do their best lead only to having all they need, but all who are in a hurry come only to want.
6 Getting riches by a lying tongue is like a passing cloud, and leads to death.
7 The way the sinful hurt others will draw them away, because they will not do what is right and fair.
8 The way of a guilty man is sinful, but the actions of the pure man are right.
9 It is better to live in a corner of a roof than in a house shared with an arguing woman.
10 The soul of the sinful has a desire for what is bad. His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.
11 When the man who laughs at the truth is punished, the fool becomes wise. When a wise man is taught, he gets much learning.
12 The One Who is right and good thinks about the house of the sinful, and the sinful are thrown down to be destroyed.
13 He who shuts his ears to the cry of the poor will also cry himself and not be answered.
14 A gift in secret quiets anger. A gift from the heart quiets strong anger.
15 When what is right and fair is done, it is a joy for those who are right with God. But it fills the sinful with fear.
16 A man who goes away from the way of understanding will rest in the gathering of the dead.
17 He who loves only fun will become a poor man. He who loves wine and oil will not become rich.
18 The sinful man is the price given for the man who is right with God, the man who is not faithful for the faithful man.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a woman who argues and causes trouble.
20 There are riches and oil of great worth in the house of the wise, but a foolish man swallows them up.
21 He who follows what is right and loving and kind finds life, right-standing with God and honor.
22 A wise man goes over the city walls of the powerful, and brings down the strong-place in which they trust.
23 He who watches over his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles.
24 "Proud," "Self-important" and "One who laughs at the truth" are the names of the man who acts without respect and is proud.
25 The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands will not work.
26 He is filled with desire all day long, but the man who is right with God gives all he can.
27 The gift given on an altar in worship by the sinful is a hated thing. How much more when he brings it for the wrong reason!
28 A person who tells a lie about someone else will be lost, but the man who listens to the truth will speak forever.
29 A sinful man's face shows he is pretending, but a good man is sure of himself.
30 There is no wisdom and no understanding and no words that can stand against the Lord.
31 The horse is made ready for war, but winning the fight belongs to the Lord.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.