« | Proverbs 26 | » |
1 It shouldn't snow in summer or rain at harvest. Neither should a foolish person ever be honored.
2 Curses will not harm someone who is innocent; they are like sparrows or swallows that fly around and never land.
3 Whips are for horses, and harnesses are for donkeys, so paddles are good for fools.
4 Don't give fools a foolish answer, or you will be just like them.
5 But answer fools as they should be answered, or they will think they are really wise.
6 Sending a message by a foolish person is like cutting off your feet or drinking poison.
7 A wise saying spoken by a fool is as useless as the legs of a crippled person.
8 Giving honor to a foolish person is like tying a stone in a slingshot.
9 A wise saying spoken by a fool is like a thorn stuck in the hand of a drunk.
10 Hiring a foolish person or anyone just passing by is like an archer shooting at just anything.
11 A fool who repeats his foolishness is like a dog that goes back to what it has thrown up.
12 There is more hope for a foolish person than for those who think they are wise.
13 The lazy person says, "There's a lion in the road! There's a lion in the streets!"
14 Like a door turning back and forth on its hinges, the lazy person turns over and over in bed.
15 Lazy people may put their hands in the dish, but they are too tired to lift the food to their mouths.
16 The lazy person thinks he is wiser than seven people who give sensible answers.
17 Interfering in someone else's quarrel as you pass by is like grabbing a dog by the ears.
18 Like a madman shooting deadly, burning arrows
19 is the one who tricks a neighbor and then says, "I was just joking."
20 Without wood, a fire will go out, and without gossip, quarreling will stop.
21 Just as charcoal and wood keep a fire going, a quarrelsome person keeps an argument going.
22 The words of a gossip are like tasty bits of food; people like to gobble them up.
23 Kind words from a wicked mind are like a shiny coating on a clay pot.
24 Those who hate you may try to fool you with their words, but in their minds they are planning evil.
25 People's words may be kind, but don't believe them, because their minds are full of evil thoughts.
26 Lies can hide hate, but the evil will be plain to everyone.
27 Whoever digs a pit for others will fall into it. Whoever tries to roll a boulder down on others will be crushed by it.
28 Liars hate the people they hurt, and false praise can ruin others.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.