« | Proverbs 25 | » |
1 These are other proverbs of Solomon that the officials of King Hezekiah of Judah copied.
2 It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out.
3 Like the heavens for height, like the earth for depth, so the mind of kings is unsearchable.
4 Take away the dross from the silver, and the smith has material for a vessel;
5 take away the wicked from the presence of the king, and his throne will be established in righteousness.
6 Do not put yourself forward in the king's presence or stand in the place of the great;
7 for it is better to be told, "Come up here," than to be put lower in the presence of a noble. What your eyes have seen
8 do not hastily bring into court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame?
9 Argue your case with your neighbor directly, and do not disclose another's secret;
10 or else someone who hears you will bring shame upon you, and your ill repute will have no end.
11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.
12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise rebuke to a listening ear.
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest are faithful messengers to those who send them; they refresh the spirit of their masters.
14 Like clouds and wind without rain is one who boasts of a gift never given.
15 With patience a ruler may be persuaded, and a soft tongue can break bones.
16 If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, or else, having too much, you will vomit it.
17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, otherwise the neighbor will become weary of you and hate you.
18 Like a war club, a sword, or a sharp arrow is one who bears false witness against a neighbor.
19 Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is trust in a faithless person in time of trouble.
20 Like vinegar on a wound is one who sings songs to a heavy heart. Like a moth in clothing or a worm in wood, sorrow gnaws at the human heart.
21 If your enemies are hungry, give them bread to eat; and if they are thirsty, give them water to drink;
22 for you will heap coals of fire on their heads, and the LORD will reward you.
23 The north wind produces rain, and a backbiting tongue, angry looks.
24 It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a contentious wife.
25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.
26 Like a muddied spring or a polluted fountain are the righteous who give way before the wicked.
27 It is not good to eat much honey, or to seek honor on top of honor.
28 Like a city breached, without walls, is one who lacks self-control.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as an update to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1952, with the goal of incorporating the latest biblical scholarship and addressing changes in the English language. The NRSV is renowned for its accuracy, literary quality, and ecumenical approach, making it a preferred choice for both academic study and liturgical use across various Christian denominations.
One of the primary features of the NRSV is its commitment to being a literal, or word-for-word, translation while also ensuring that the text is clear and comprehensible for modern readers. The translation team, which included scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, aimed to produce a text that faithfully represents the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This dedication to precision and clarity makes the NRSV an excellent resource for in-depth study and theological reflection, as it strives to convey the exact meaning of the original texts.
The NRSV is also notable for its inclusive language, which seeks to reflect the diversity of the contemporary Christian community. The translators took great care to avoid gender-specific language when the original texts did not explicitly require it, making the text more inclusive and accessible to all readers. This approach has been particularly appreciated in academic and liturgical settings, where sensitivity to gender and inclusivity are important considerations. The NRSV’s attention to inclusive language helps ensure that all readers can see themselves reflected in the biblical narrative.
Despite its many strengths, the NRSV has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more traditional translations. Critics argue that the use of inclusive language can sometimes lead to interpretations that differ from the original intent of the texts. Additionally, some conservative scholars and readers feel that the NRSV’s ecumenical approach may result in compromises on certain theological nuances. Nonetheless, the New Revised Standard Version remains a highly valued translation, widely used in churches, seminaries, and universities for its scholarly rigor, literary excellence, and commitment to inclusivity.