« | Proverbs 25 | » |
1 Here are more of Solomon's proverbs. They were copied by the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah.
2 God is praised for being mysterious; rulers are praised for explaining mysteries.
3 Who can fully understand the thoughts of a ruler? They reach beyond the sky and go deep in the earth.
4 Silver must be purified before it can be used to make something of value.
5 Evil people must be removed before anyone can rule with justice.
6 Don't try to seem important in the court of a ruler.
7 It's better for the ruler to give you a high position than for you to be embarrassed in front of royal officials. Be sure you are right
8 before you sue someone, or you might lose your case and be embarrassed.
9 When you and someone else can't get along, don't gossip about it.
10 Others will find out, and your reputation will then be ruined.
11 The right word at the right time is like precious gold set in silver.
12 Listening to good advice is worth much more than jewelry made of gold.
13 A messenger you can trust is just as refreshing as cool water in summer.
14 Broken promises are worse than rain clouds that don't bring rain.
15 Patience and gentle talk can convince a ruler and overcome any problem.
16 Eating too much honey can make you sick.
17 Don't visit friends too often, or they will get tired of it and start hating you.
18 Telling lies about friends is like attacking them with clubs and swords and sharp arrows.
19 A friend you can't trust in times of trouble is like having a toothache or a sore foot.
20 Singing to someone in deep sorrow is like pouring vinegar in an open cut.
21 If your enemies are hungry, give them something to eat. And if they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
22 This will be the same as piling burning coals on their heads. And the LORD will reward you.
23 As surely as rain blows in from the north, anger is caused by cruel words.
24 It's better to stay outside on the roof of your house than to live inside with a nagging wife.
25 Good news from far away refreshes like cold water when you are thirsty.
26 When a good person gives in to the wicked, it's like dumping garbage in a stream of clear water.
27 Don't eat too much honey or always want praise.
28 Losing self-control leaves you as helpless as a city without a wall.
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.