« | Proverbs 22 | » |
1 A [good] name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common, The LORD [is] the maker of them all.
3 A prudent [man] foresees evil and hides himself, But the simple pass on and are punished.
4 By humility [and] the fear of the LORD [Are] riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns [and] snares [are] in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.
6 Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
7 The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower [is] servant to the lender.
8 He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, And the rod of his anger will fail.
9 He who has a generous eye will be blessed, For he gives of his bread to the poor.
10 Cast out the scoffer, and contention will leave; Yes, strife and reproach will cease.
11 He who loves purity of heart [And has] grace on his lips, The king [will be] his friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD preserve knowledge, But He overthrows the words of the faithless.
13 The lazy [man] says, "[There is] a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!"
14 The mouth of an immoral woman [is] a deep pit; He who is abhorred by the LORD will fall there.
15 Foolishness [is] bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.
16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his [riches,] [And] he who gives to the rich, [will] surely [come] to poverty.
17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise, And apply your heart to my knowledge;
18 For [it is] a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; Let them all be fixed upon your lips,
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD; I have instructed you today, even you.
20 Have I not written to you excellent things Of counsels and knowledge,
21 That I may make you know the certainty of the words of truth, That you may answer words of truth To those who send to you?
22 Do not rob the poor because he [is] poor, Nor oppress the afflicted at the gate;
23 For the LORD will plead their cause, And plunder the soul of those who plunder them.
24 Make no friendship with an angry man, And with a furious man do not go,
25 Lest you learn his ways And set a snare for your soul.
26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands in a pledge, One of those who is surety for debts;
27 If you have nothing [with which] to pay, Why should he take away your bed from under you?
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark Which your fathers have set.
29 Do you see a man [who] excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown [men.]
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.