« | Proverbs 27 | » |
1 Boast not of tomorrow, for you do not know what the next day shall bring forth.
2 Let your neighbor, and not your own mouth, praise you; a stranger, and not your own lips.
3 A stone is heavy and sand cumbersome, but a fool's wrath is heavier than both.
4 Wrath is merciless and anger sharp, but envy can bear nothing.
5 Open reproofs are better than secret love.
6 The wounds of a friend are more to be trusted than the spontaneous kisses of an enemy.
7 A full soul scorns honeycombs, but to a hungry soul even bitter things appear sweet.
8 As when a bird flies down from its own nest, so a man is brought into bondage whenever he estranges himself from his own place.
9 The heart delights in ointments and wines and perfumes, but the soul is broken by calamities.
10 Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; better is a friend [that is] near than a brother living far off.
11 Son, be wise, that your heart may rejoice, and remove from yourself reproachful words.
12 A wise man, when evils are approaching, hides himself, but fools pass on, and will be punished.
13 Take away the man's garment, (for a scorner has passed by) whoever lays waste another's goods.
14 Whosoever shall bless a friend in the morning with a loud voice, shall seem to differ nothing from one who curses him.
15 On a stormy day drops of rain drive a man out of his house, so also does a railing woman [drive a man] out of his own house.
16 The north wind is sharp, but it is called by name propitious.
17 Iron sharpens iron, and a man sharpens his friend's countenance.
18 He that plants a fig tree shall eat the fruits of it; so he that waits on his own master shall be honored.
19 As faces are not like [other] faces, so neither are the thoughts of men.
20 Hell and destruction are not filled, neither are the eyes of men ever satisfied. [ 27:20A] He that fixes his eye is an abomination to the Lord, and the uninstructed do not restrain their tongue.
21 Fire is the trial for silver and gold, and a man is tried by the mouth of them that praise him. [ 27:21A] The heart of the transgressor seeks after mischief, but an upright heart seeks knowledge.
22 Though you scourge a fool, disgracing him in the midst of the council, you will [still] in no way remove his folly from him.
23 Do you thoroughly know the number of your flock, and pay attention to your herds?
24 For a man has not strength and power forever; neither does he transmit it from generation to generation.
25 Take care of the herbage in the field, and you shall cut grass, and gather the mountain hay;
26 that you may have sheep's [wool] for clothing; pay attention to the land, that you may have lambs.
27 My son, you have from me words very useful for your life, and for the life of your servants.
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.