« | Proverbs 21 | » |
1 The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.
2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart.
3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
4 Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin.
5 The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but every one who is hasty comes only to want.
6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor and a snare of death.
7 The violence of the wicked will sweep them away, because they refuse to do what is just.
8 The way of the guilty is crooked, but the conduct of the pure is right.
9 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no mercy in his eyes.
11 When a scoffer is punished, the simple becomes wise; when a wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge.
12 The righteous observes the house of the wicked; the wicked are cast down to ruin.
13 He who closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be heard.
14 A gift in secret averts anger; and a bribe in the bosom, strong wrath.
15 When justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but dismay to evildoers.
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 is a ransom for the righteous, and the faithless for the upright.
19 It is better to live in a desert land than with a contentious and fretful woman.
20 Precious treasure remains in a wise man's dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.
21 He who pursues righteousness and kindness will find life and honor.
22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and brings down the stronghold in which they trust.
23 He who keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.
24 "Scoffer" is the name of the proud, haughty man who acts with arrogant pride.
25 The desire of the sluggard kills him for his hands refuse to labor.
26 All day long the wicked covets, but the righteous gives and does not hold back.
27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination; how much more when he brings it with evil intent.
28 A false witness will perish, but the word of a man who hears will endure.
29 A wicked man puts on a bold face, but an upright man considers his ways.
30 No wisdom, no understanding, no counsel, can avail against the LORD.
31 The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD.
The Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is a widely respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1952 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901, with the primary aim of providing a more accurate and readable text while retaining the literary qualities of its predecessor. The RSV sought to modernize the language of the ASV without sacrificing its faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, making it a significant milestone in the history of English Bible translations.
One of the key features of the RSV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation approach. This method ensures that the translation closely mirrors the structure and wording of the original texts, allowing readers to engage more directly with the biblical languages. The translators of the RSV were guided by the latest biblical scholarship of their time, and they endeavored to produce a text that was both accurate and elegant. This combination of precision and literary quality has made the RSV a popular choice for both academic study and liturgical use.
The RSV also stands out for its ecumenical appeal. It was one of the first translations to be accepted across a wide range of Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. This broad acceptance was partly due to the inclusive approach of the translation committee, which included scholars from various religious backgrounds. The RSV’s ecumenical nature helped it gain widespread usage in churches, seminaries, and universities, fostering a greater sense of unity among different Christian communities.
Despite its many strengths, the RSV has faced some criticism over the years. Some conservative scholars and readers have expressed concerns about certain translation choices, arguing that they reflect modernist theological perspectives. Additionally, the RSV’s use of archaic language in certain passages has been a point of contention for those seeking a more contemporary rendering of the Bible. Nonetheless, the Revised Standard Version remains a highly respected and influential translation, valued for its accuracy, literary excellence, and broad ecumenical acceptance. It continues to serve as a foundation for later revisions and translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the English Standard Version (ESV).