« | Proverbs 23 | » |
1 When you are invited to eat with a king, use your best manners.
2 Don't go and stuff yourself! That would be just the same as cutting your throat.
3 Don't be greedy for all of that fancy food! It may not be so tasty.
4 Give up trying so hard to get rich.
5 Your money flies away before you know it, just like an eagle suddenly taking off.
6 Don't accept an invitation to eat a selfish person's food, no matter how good it is.
7 People like that take note of how much you eat. They say, "Take all you want!" But they don't mean it.
8 Each bite will come back up, and all your kind words will be wasted.
9 Don't talk to fools-- they will just make fun.
10 Don't move a boundary marker or take the land that belongs to orphans.
11 God All-Powerful is there to defend them against you.
12 Listen to instruction and do your best to learn.
13 Don't fail to correct your children. You won't kill them by being firm,
14 and it may even save their lives.
15 My children, if you show good sense, I will be happy,
16 and if you are truthful, I will really be glad.
17 Don't be jealous of sinners, but always honor the LORD.
18 Then you will truly have hope for the future.
19 Listen to me, my children! Be wise and have enough sense to follow the right path.
20 Don't be a heavy drinker or stuff yourself with food.
21 It will make you feel drowsy, and you will end up poor with only rags to wear.
22 Pay attention to your father, and don't neglect your mother when she grows old.
23 Invest in truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don't part with them.
24 Make your father truly happy by living right and showing sound judgment.
25 Make your parents proud, especially your mother.
26 My son, pay close attention, and gladly follow my example.
27 Bad women and unfaithful wives are like a deep pit--
28 they are waiting to attack you like a gang of robbers with victim after victim.
29 Who is always in trouble? Who argues and fights? Who has cuts and bruises? Whose eyes are red?
30 Everyone who stays up late, having just one more drink.
31 Don't even look at that colorful stuff bubbling up in the glass! It goes down so easily,
32 but later it bites like a poisonous snake.
33 You will see weird things, and your mind will play tricks on you.
34 You will feel tossed about like someone trying to sleep on a ship in a storm.
35 You will be bruised all over, without even remembering how it all happened. And you will lie awake asking, "When will morning come, so I can drink some more?"
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.