« | Proverbs 25 | » |
1 These are more wise sayings of Solomon, copied by the men of Hezekiah king of Judah.
2 God is honored for what he keeps secret. Kings are honored for what they can discover.
3 No one can measure the height of the skies or the depth of the earth. So also no one can understand the mind of a king.
4 Remove the scum from the silver, so the silver can be used by the silversmith.
5 Remove wicked people from the king's presence; then his government will be honest and last a long time.
6 Don't brag to the king and act as if you are great.
7 It is better for him to give you a higher position than to bring you down in front of the prince. Because of something you have seen,
8 do not quickly take someone to court. What will you do later when your neighbor proves you wrong?
9 If you have an argument with your neighbor, don't tell other people what was said.
10 Whoever hears it might shame you, and you might not ever be respected again.
11 The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl.
12 A wise warning to someone who will listen is as valuable as gold earrings or fine gold jewelry.
13 Trustworthy messengers refresh those who send them, like the coolness of snow in the summertime.
14 People who brag about gifts they never give are like clouds and wind that give no rain.
15 With patience you can convince a ruler, and a gentle word can get through to the hard-headed.
16 If you find honey, don't eat too much, or it will make you throw up.
17 Don't go to your neighbor's house too often; too much of you will make him hate you.
18 When you lie about your neighbors, it hurts them as much as a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.
19 Trusting unfaithful people when you are in trouble is like eating with a broken tooth or walking with a crippled foot.
20 Singing songs to someone who is sad is like taking away his coat on a cold day or pouring vinegar on soda.
21 If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
22 Doing this will be like pouring burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.
23 As the north wind brings rain, telling gossip brings angry looks.
24 It is better to live in a corner on the roofn than inside the house with a quarreling wife.
25 Good news from a faraway place is like a cool drink when you are tired.
26 A good person who gives in to evil is like a muddy spring or a dirty well.
27 It is not good to eat too much honey, nor does it bring you honor to brag about yourself.
28 Those who do not control themselves are like a city whose walls are broken down.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.