« | Proverbs 24 | » |
1 Don't be jealous of crooks or want to be their friends.
2 All they think about and talk about is violence and cruelty.
3 Use wisdom and understanding to establish your home;
4 let good sense fill the rooms with priceless treasures.
5 Wisdom brings strength, and knowledge gives power.
6 Battles are won by listening to advice and making a lot of plans.
7 Wisdom is too much for fools! Their advice is no good.
8 No one but troublemakers think up trouble.
9 Everyone hates senseless fools who think up ways to sin.
10 Don't give up and be helpless in times of trouble.
11 Don't fail to rescue those who are doomed to die.
12 Don't say, "I didn't know it!" God can read your mind. He watches each of us and knows our thoughts. And God will pay us back for what we do.
13 Honey is good for you, my children, and it tastes sweet.
14 Wisdom is like honey for your life-- if you find it, your future is bright.
15 Don't be a cruel person who attacks good people and hurts their families.
16 Even if good people fall seven times, they will get back up. But when trouble strikes the wicked, that's the end of them.
17 Don't be happy to see your enemies trip and fall down.
18 The LORD will find out and be unhappy. Then he will stop being angry with them.
19 Don't let evil people worry you or make you jealous.
20 They will soon be gone like the flame of a lamp that burns out.
21 My children, you must respect the LORD and the king, and you must not make friends with anyone who rebels against either of them.
22 Who knows what sudden disaster the LORD or a ruler might bring?
23 Here are some more sayings that make good sense: When you judge, you must be fair.
24 If you let the guilty go free, people of all nations will hate and curse you.
25 But if you punish the guilty, things will go well for you, and you will prosper.
26 Giving an honest answer is a sign of true friendship.
27 Get your fields ready and plant your crops before starting a home.
28 Don't accuse anyone who isn't guilty. Don't ever tell a lie
29 or say to someone, "I'll get even with you!"
30 I once walked by the field and the vineyard of a lazy fool.
31 Thorns and weeds were everywhere, and the stone wall had fallen down.
32 When I saw this, it taught me a lesson:
33 Sleep a little. Doze a little. Fold your hands and twiddle your thumbs.
34 Suddenly poverty hits you and everything is gone!
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.