« | Proverbs 26 | » |
1 As dew in harvest, and as rain in summer, so honor is not [seemly] for a fool.
2 As birds and sparrows fly, so a curse shall not come upon anyone without a cause.
3 As a whip for a horse, and a goad for a donkey, so is a rod for a simple nation.
4 Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you become like him.
5 Yet answer a fool according to his folly, lest he seem wise in his own conceit.
6 He that sends a message by a foolish messenger procures for himself a reproach from his own ways.
7 [As well] take away the motion of the legs, as transgression from the mouth of fools.
8 He that binds up a stone in a sling, is like one that gives glory to a fool.
9 Thorns grow in the hand of a drunkard, and servitude in the hand of fools.
10 All the flesh of fools endures much hardship, for their fury is brought to nought.
11 As when a dog returns to his own vomit, and becomes abominable, so is a fool who returns in his wickedness to his own sin. [ 26:11A] There is a shame that brings sin, and there is a shame that is glory and grace.
12 I have seen a man who seemed to himself to be wise; but a fool had more hope than he.
13 A sluggard when sent on a journey says, [There is] a lion in the road, and [there are] murderers in the streets.
14 As a door turns on the hinge, so does a sluggard on his bed.
15 A sluggard having hid his hand in his bosom, will not be able to bring it up to his mouth.
16 A sluggard seems to himself wiser than one who most satisfactorily brings back a message.
17 As he that lays hold of a dog's tail, so is he that makes himself the champion of another's cause.
18 As those who need correction put forth [fair] words to men, and he that first falls in with the proposal will be overthrown;
19 so are all that lay wait for their own friends, and when they are discovered, say, I did it in jest.
20 With much wood fire increases, but where there is not a double-minded man, strife ceases.
21 A hearth for coals, and wood for fire, and a railing man for the tumult of strife.
22 The words of a talebearer are soft; but they strike even to the inmost parts of the bowels.
23 Silver dishonestly given is to be considered as a potsherd; smooth lips cover a grievous heart.
24 A weeping enemy promises all things with his lips, but in his heart he contrives deceit.
25 Though your enemy intreat you with a loud voice, consent not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.
26 He that hides enmity frames deceit, but being easily discerned, exposes his own sins in the public assemblies.
27 He that digs a pit for his neighbor shall fall into it, and he that rolls a stone, rolls it upon himself.
28 A lying tongue hates the truth, and an unguarded mouth causes tumults.
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.