« | Proverbs 26 | » |
1 As snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not becoming for a fool.
2 As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse without cause shall not come.
3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool's back.
4 Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, lest you also be like him.
5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, so that he may not be wise in his own eyes.
6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet and drinks down damage.
7 The legs of the lame are not equal; so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
8 As he who binds a stone in a sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool.
9 As a thorn goes up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.
10 Great is the Former of all, but he who hires a fool is like one who hires one passing by.
11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool returns to his folly.
12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
13 The lazy one says, There is a lion in the way; a lion is in the streets.
14 As the door turns upon its hinges, so does the lazy man turn upon his bed.
15 The lazy man hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it again to his mouth.
16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can give a reason.
17 He who passes by enraging himself over strife not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears,
18 or like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death.
19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, Am I not joking?
20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no talebearer, the fighting ceases.
21 As coals to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to kindle fighting.
22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.
23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like a broken piece of pottery with silver waste.
24 He who hates pretends with his lips and stores up deceit within him.
25 When he makes his voice gracious, do not believe him; for seven hateful things are in his heart.
26 He whose hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be shown before the congregation.
27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it; and he who rolls a stone, it will turn back to him.
28 A lying tongue hates those afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.