« | Proverbs 22 | » |
1 A good reputation and respect are worth much more than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor are all created by the LORD.
3 When you see trouble coming, don't be stupid and walk right into it-- be smart and hide.
4 Respect and serve the LORD! Your reward will be wealth, a long life, and honor.
5 Crooks walk down a road full of thorny traps. Stay away from there!
6 Teach your children right from wrong, and when they are grown they will still do right.
7 The poor are ruled by the rich, and those who borrow are slaves of moneylenders.
8 Troublemakers get in trouble, and their terrible anger will get them nowhere.
9 The LORD blesses everyone who freely gives food to the poor.
10 Arguments and fights will come to an end, if you chase away those who insult others.
11 The king is the friend of all who are sincere and speak with kindness.
12 The LORD watches over everyone who shows good sense, but he frustrates the plans of deceitful liars.
13 Don't be so lazy that you say, "If I go to work, a lion will eat me!"
14 The words of a bad woman are like a deep pit; if you make the LORD angry, you will fall right in.
15 All children are foolish, but firm correction will make them change.
16 Cheat the poor to make profit or give gifts to the rich-- either way you lose.
17 Here are some sayings of people with wisdom, so listen carefully as I teach.
18 You will be glad that you know these sayings and can recite them.
19 I am teaching them today, so that you may trust the LORD.
20 I have written thirty sayings filled with sound advice.
21 You can trust them completely to give you the right words for those in charge of you.
22 Don't take advantage of the poor or cheat them in court.
23 The LORD is their defender, and what you do to them, he will do to you.
24 Don't make friends with anyone who has a bad temper.
25 You might turn out like them and get caught in a trap.
26 Don't guarantee to pay someone else's debt.
27 If you don't have the money, you might lose your bed.
28 Don't move a boundary marker set up by your ancestors.
29 If you do your job well, you will work for a ruler and never be a slave.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.