« | Proverbs 26 | » |
1 Expecting snow in summer and rain in the dry season makes more sense than honoring a fool.
2 A curse you don't deserve will take wings and fly away like a sparrow or a swallow.
3 Horses and donkeys must be beaten and bridled-- and so must fools.
4 Don't make a fool of yourself by answering a fool.
5 But if you answer any fools, show how foolish they are, so they won't feel smart.
6 Sending a message by a fool is like chopping off your foot and drinking poison.
7 A fool with words of wisdom is like an athlete with legs that can't move.
8 Are you going to honor a fool? Why not shoot a slingshot with the rock tied tight?
9 A thornbush waved around in the hand of a drunkard is no worse than a proverb in the mouth of a fool.
10 It's no smarter to shoot arrows at every passerby than it is to hire a bunch of worthless nobodies.
11 Dogs return to eat their vomit, just as fools repeat their foolishness.
12 There is more hope for a fool than for someone who says, "I'm really smart!"
13 Don't be lazy and keep saying, "There's a lion outside!"
14 A door turns on its hinges, but a lazy person just turns over in bed.
15 Some of us are so lazy that we won't lift a hand to feed ourselves.
16 A lazy person says, "I am smarter than everyone else."
17 It's better to take hold of a mad dog by the ears than to take part in someone else's argument.
18 It's no crazier to shoot sharp and flaming arrows
19 than to cheat someone and say, "I was only fooling!"
20 Where there is no fuel a fire goes out; where there is no gossip arguments come to an end.
21 Troublemakers start trouble, just as sparks and fuel start a fire.
22 There is nothing so delicious as the taste of gossip! It melts in your mouth.
23 Hiding hateful thoughts behind smooth talk is like coating a clay pot with a cheap glaze.
24 The pleasant talk of an enemy hides more evil plans
25 than can be counted-- so don't believe a word!
26 Everyone will see through those evil plans.
27 If you dig a pit, you will fall in; if you start a stone rolling, it will roll back on you.
28 Watch out for anyone who tells lies and flatters-- they are out to get you.
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.