« | Proverbs 22 | » |
1 A fair name is better than much wealth, and good favor is above silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor meet together, but the Lord made them both.
3 An intelligent man seeing a bad man severely punished is himself instructed, but fools pass by and are punished.
4 The fear of the Lord is the offspring of wisdom, wealth, glory, and life.
5 Thistles and snares are in perverse ways, but he that keeps his soul will refrain from them.
6 [This translation omits this verse.]
7 The rich will rule over the poor, and servants will lend to their own masters.
8 He that sows wickedness shall reap troubles, and shall fully receive the punishment of his deeds. [ 22:8A] God loves a cheerful and liberal man; but a man shall fully prove the folly of his works.
9 He that has pity on the poor shall himself be maintained, for he has given of his own bread to the poor. [ 22:9A] He that gives liberally secures victory an honor, but he takes away the life of them that posses them.
10 Cast out a pestilent person from the council, and strife shall go out with him; for when he sits in the council he dishonors all.
11 The Lord loves holy hearts, and all blameless persons are acceptable to Him; a king rules with his lips.
12 But the eyes of the Lord preserve discretion, but the transgressor despises wise words.
13 The sluggard makes excuses, and says, [There is] a lion in the road, and murderers in the streets.
14 The mouth of a transgressor is a deep pit, and he that is hated of the Lord shall fall into it. [ 22:14A] Evil ways are before a man, and he does not like to turn away from them, but it is needful to turn aside from a perverse and bad way.
15 Folly is attached to the heart of a child, but the rod and instruction are [then] far from him.
16 He that oppresses the poor, increases his own substance, yet gives to the rich so as to make it less.
17 Incline your ear to the words of wise men; hear also my word, and apply your heart,
18 that you may know that they are good, and if you take them to heart, they shall also gladden you on your lips;
19 that your hope may be in the Lord, and He may make your way known to you.
20 And record them repeatedly for yourself on the table of your heart, for counsel and knowledge.
21 I therefore teach you truth, and knowledge good to hear, that you may answer words of truth to them that question you.
22 Do no violence to the poor, for he is needy, neither dishonor the helpless man in the gates.
23 For the Lord will plead his cause, and you shall deliver your soul in safety.
24 Be not companion to a furious man, neither lodge with a passionate man,
25 lest you learn of his ways, and ensnare your soul.
26 Become not surety from respect of a man's person.
27 For if those have not anything to give compensation, they will take the bed that is under you.
28 Remove not the old landmarks, which your fathers placed.
29 It is fit that an observant man and [one] diligent in his business should attend on kings, and not attend on slothful men.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.