« | Proverbs 22 | » |
1 Being respected is more important than having great riches. To be well thought of is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor are alike in that the Lord made them all.
3 The wise see danger ahead and avoid it, but fools keep going and get into trouble.
4 Respecting the Lord and not being proud will bring you wealth, honor, and life.
5 Evil people's lives are like paths covered with thorns and traps. People who guard themselves don't have such problems.
6 Train children how to live right, and when they are old, they will not change.
7 The rich rule over the poor, and borrowers are servants to lenders.
8 Those who plan evil will receive trouble. Their cruel anger will come to an end.
9 Generous people will be blessed, because they share their food with the poor.
10 Get rid of the one who makes fun of wisdom. Then fighting, quarrels, and insults will stop.
11 Whoever loves pure thoughts and kind words will have even the king as a friend.
12 The Lord guards knowledge, but he destroys false words.
13 The lazy person says, "There's a lion outside! I might get killed out in the street!"
14 The words of an unfaithful wife are like a deep trap. Those who make the Lord angry will get caught by them.
15 Every child is full of foolishness, but punishment can get rid of it.
16 Whoever gets rich by mistreating the poor, and gives presents to the wealthy, will become poor.
17 Listen carefully to what wise people say; pay attention to what I am teaching you.
18 It will be good to keep these things in mind so that you are ready to repeat them.
19 I am teaching them to you now so that you will put your trust in the Lord.
20 I have written thirty sayings for you, which give knowledge and good advice.
21 I am teaching you true and reliable words so that you can give true answers to anyone who asks.
22 Do not abuse poor people because they are poor, and do not take away the rights of the needy in court.
23 The Lord will defend them in court and will take the life of those who take away their rights.
24 Don't make friends with quick-tempered people or spend time with those who have bad tempers.
25 If you do, you will be like them. Then you will be in real danger.
26 Don't promise to pay what someone else owes, and don't guarantee anyone's loan.
27 If you cannot pay the loan, your own bed may be taken right out from under you.
28 Don't move an old stone that marks a border, because those stones were set up by your ancestors.
29 Do you see people skilled in their work? They will work for kings, not for ordinary people.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.