« | Proverbs 22 | » |
1 A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.
2 The rich and the poor have this in common: the LORD is the maker of them all.
3 The clever see danger and hide; but the simple go on, and suffer for it.
4 The reward for humility and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life.
5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; the cautious will keep far from them.
6 Train children in the right way, and when old, they will not stray.
7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.
8 Whoever sows injustice will reap calamity, and the rod of anger will fail.
9 Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.
10 Drive out a scoffer, and strife goes out; quarreling and abuse will cease.
11 Those who love a pure heart and are gracious in speech will have the king as a friend.
12 The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he overthrows the words of the faithless.
13 The lazy person says, "There is a lion outside! I shall be killed in the streets!"
14 The mouth of a loose woman is a deep pit; he with whom the LORD is angry falls into it.
15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a boy, but the rod of discipline drives it far away.
16 Oppressing the poor in order to enrich oneself, and giving to the rich, will lead only to loss.
17 The words of the wise: Incline your ear and hear my words, and apply your mind to my teaching;
18 for it will be pleasant if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the LORD, I have made them known to you today-- yes, to you.
20 Have I not written for you thirty sayings of admonition and knowledge,
21 to show you what is right and true, so that you may give a true answer to those who sent you?
22 Do not rob the poor because they are poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate;
23 for the LORD pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them.
24 Make no friends with those given to anger, and do not associate with hotheads,
25 or you may learn their ways and entangle yourself in a snare.
26 Do not be one of those who give pledges, who become surety for debts.
27 If you have nothing with which to pay, why should your bed be taken from under you?
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark that your ancestors set up.
29 Do you see those who are skillful in their work? they will serve kings; they will not serve common people.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as an update to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1952, with the goal of incorporating the latest biblical scholarship and addressing changes in the English language. The NRSV is renowned for its accuracy, literary quality, and ecumenical approach, making it a preferred choice for both academic study and liturgical use across various Christian denominations.
One of the primary features of the NRSV is its commitment to being a literal, or word-for-word, translation while also ensuring that the text is clear and comprehensible for modern readers. The translation team, which included scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, aimed to produce a text that faithfully represents the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This dedication to precision and clarity makes the NRSV an excellent resource for in-depth study and theological reflection, as it strives to convey the exact meaning of the original texts.
The NRSV is also notable for its inclusive language, which seeks to reflect the diversity of the contemporary Christian community. The translators took great care to avoid gender-specific language when the original texts did not explicitly require it, making the text more inclusive and accessible to all readers. This approach has been particularly appreciated in academic and liturgical settings, where sensitivity to gender and inclusivity are important considerations. The NRSV’s attention to inclusive language helps ensure that all readers can see themselves reflected in the biblical narrative.
Despite its many strengths, the NRSV has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more traditional translations. Critics argue that the use of inclusive language can sometimes lead to interpretations that differ from the original intent of the texts. Additionally, some conservative scholars and readers feel that the NRSV’s ecumenical approach may result in compromises on certain theological nuances. Nonetheless, the New Revised Standard Version remains a highly valued translation, widely used in churches, seminaries, and universities for its scholarly rigor, literary excellence, and commitment to inclusivity.