« | Proverbs 25 | » |
1 These also [are] proverbs of Solomon which the men of Hezekiah king of Judah copied:
2 [It is] the glory of God to conceal a matter, But the glory of kings [is] to search out a matter.
3 [As] the heavens for height and the earth for depth, So the heart of kings [is] unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from silver, And it will go to the silversmith [for] jewelry.
5 Take away the wicked from before the king, And his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, And do not stand in the place of the great;
7 For [it is] better that he say to you, "Come up here," Than that you should be put lower in the presence of the prince, Whom your eyes have seen.
8 Do not go hastily to court; For what will you do in the end, When your neighbor has put you to shame?
9 Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another;
10 Lest he who hears [it] expose your shame, And your reputation be ruined.
11 A word fitly spoken [is like] apples of gold In settings of silver.
12 [Like] an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold [Is] a wise rebuker to an obedient ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in time of harvest [Is] a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14 Whoever falsely boasts of giving [Is like] clouds and wind without rain.
15 By long forbearance a ruler is persuaded, And a gentle tongue breaks a bone.
16 Have you found honey? Eat only as much as you need, Lest you be filled with it and vomit.
17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor's house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.
18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor [Is like] a club, a sword, and a sharp arrow.
19 Confidence in an unfaithful [man] in time of trouble [Is like] a bad tooth and a foot out of joint.
20 [Like] one who takes away a garment in cold weather, [And like] vinegar on soda, [Is] one who sings songs to a heavy heart.
21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
22 For [so] you will heap coals of fire on his head, And the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind brings forth rain, And a backbiting tongue an angry countenance.
24 [It is] better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.
25 [As] cold water to a weary soul, So [is] good news from a far country.
26 A righteous [man] who falters before the wicked [Is like] a murky spring and a polluted well.
27 [It is] not good to eat much honey; So to seek one's own glory [is not] glory.
28 Whoever [has] no rule over his own spirit [Is like] a city broken down, without walls.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.