« | Proverbs 25 | » |
1 These are the proverbs of Solomon, which the friends of Hezekiah king of Judea transcribed.
2 The glory of God conceals a matter, but the glory of a king honors business.
3 Heaven is high, and earth is deep, and a king's heart is unsearchable.
4 Beat the drossy silver, and it shall be made entirely pure.
5 Slay the ungodly from before the king, and his throne shall prosper in righteousness.
6 Be not boastful in the presence of the king, and remain not in the places of princes;
7 for [it is] better for you that it should be said, Come up to me, than that one should humble you in the presence of the prince; speak of that which your eyes have seen.
8 Get not suddenly into a quarrel, lest you repent at last.
9 Whenever your friend shall reproach you, retreat backward, despise [him] not;
10 lest your friend continue to reproach you, so your quarrel and enmity shall not depart, but shall be to you like death. [ 25:10A] Favor and friendship set a man free, which you shall keep for yourself, lest you be made liable to reproach; but take heed to your ways peaceably.
11 As a golden apple in a necklace of sardius, so [is it] to speak a wise word.
12 In an earring of gold a precious sardius is also set; so is a wise word to an obedient ear.
13 As a fall of snow in the time of harvest is good against heat, so a faithful messenger [refreshes] those that send him; for he helps the souls of his employers.
14 As winds and clouds and rains are most evident [objects], so is he that boasts of a false gift.
15 In long suffering is prosperity to kings, and a soft tongue breaks the bones.
16 Having found honey, eat [only] what is enough, lest haply you be filled, and vomit it up.
17 Enter sparingly into your friend's house, lest he be wearied with your company, and hate you.
18 [As] a club, and a dagger, and a pointed arrow, so also is a man who bears false witness against his friend.
19 The way of the wicked and the foot of the transgressor shall perish in an evil day.
20 As vinegar is bad for a sore, so trouble befalling the body afflicts the heart. [ 25:20A] As a moth in a garment, and a worm in wood, so the grief of a man hurts the heart.
21 If your enemy hungers, feed him; if he thirsts, give him drink;
22 for so doing you shall heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward you with good.
23 The north wind raises clouds; so an impudent face provokes the tongue.
24 [It is] better to dwell on a corner of the roof, than with a railing woman in an open house.
25 As cold water is agreeable to a thirsting soul, so is a good message from a land far off.
26 As if one should stop a well, and corrupt a spring of water, so is it unseemly for a righteous man to fall before an ungodly man.
27 [It is] not good to eat much honey, but it is right to honor venerable sayings.
28 As a city whose walls are broken down, and which is unfortified, so is a man who does anything without counsel.
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.