« | Proverbs 24 | » |
1 [My] son, envy not bad men, nor desire to be with them.
2 For their heart meditates falsehoods, and their lips speak of mischief.
3 A house is built by wisdom, and is set up by understanding.
4 By discretion the chambers are filled with all precious and excellent wealth.
5 A wise man is better than a strong man, and a man who has prudence than a large estate.
6 War is carried on with wise counsel, and aid is supplied to the heart of a counselor.
7 Wisdom and good understanding are in the gates of the wise; the wise turn not aside from the mouth of the Lord,
8 [ 24:7A] but deliberate in council. [ 24:9] Death befalls uninstructed [men].
9 The fools also dies in sins, and uncleanness [attaches] to a pestilent man.
10 He shall be defiled in the evil day, and in the day of affliction, until he is utterly consumed.
11 Deliver them that are led away to death, and redeem them that are appointed to be slain; spare not [your help].
12 But if you should say, I know not this man; know that the Lord knows the hearts of all; and He that formed breath for all, He knows all things, who renders to every man according to his works.
13 [My] son, eat honey, for the honeycomb is good, that your mouth may be sweetened.
14 Thus shall you perceive wisdom in your soul: for if you find it, your end shall be good, and hope shall not fail you.
15 Bring not an ungodly man into the dwelling of the righteous: neither be deceived by the feeding of the belly.
16 For a righteous man will fall seven times, and rise [again], but the ungodly shall be without strength in troubles.
17 If your enemy should fall, rejoice not over him, neither be elated at his overthrow.
18 For the Lord will see it, and it will not please Him, and He will turn away His wrath from him.
19 Rejoice not in evildoers, neither be envious of sinners.
20 For the evil man shall have no posterity, and the light of the wicked shall be put out.
21 [My] son, fear God and the king, and do not disobey either of them.
22 For they will suddenly punish the ungodly, and who can know the vengeance [inflicted] by both? [ 24:22A] A son that keeps the commandment shall escape destruction, for [such a one] has fully received it. [ 24:22B] Let no falsehood be spoken by the king from the tongue; yea, let no falsehood proceed from his tongue. [ 24:22C] The king's tongue is a sword, and not one of flesh; and whosoever shall be given up to it shall be destroyed: [ 24:22D] for if his wrath should be provoked, he destroys men with cords, [ 24:22E] and devours men's bones, and burns them up as a flame, so that they are not even fit to be eaten by the young eagles. [ 24:22F] My son, honor my words, and receive them, and repent.
23 And this thing I say to you that are wise, for you to learn: It is not good to show partiality in judgment.
24 He that says of the ungodly, He is righteous, shall be cursed by peoples, and hateful among the nations.
25 But they that reprove him shall appear more excellent, and blessing shall come upon them;
26 and men will kiss the lips that answer well.
27 Prepare your works for your going forth, and prepare yourself for the field; and come after me, and you shall rebuild your house.
28 Be not a false witness against your fellow citizen, neither exaggerate with your lips.
29 Say not, As he has treated me, so will I treat him, and I will avenge myself on him for that in which he has injured me.
30 A foolish man is like a farm, and a senseless man is like a vineyard.
31 If you let him alone, he will altogether remain barren and covered with weeds; and he becomes destitute, and his stone walls are broken down.
32 Afterwards I reflected, I looked that I might receive instruction.
33 The sluggard says, I slumber a little, and I sleep a little, and for a little while I fold my arms across my breast.
34 But if you do this, your poverty will come speedily; and your need like a swift courier.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.