« | Proverbs 27 | » |
1 Don't brag about tomorrow! Each day brings its own surprises.
2 Don't brag about yourself-- let others praise you.
3 Stones and sand are heavy, but trouble caused by a fool is a much heavier load.
4 An angry person is dangerous, but a jealous person is even worse.
5 A truly good friend will openly correct you.
6 You can trust a friend who corrects you, but kisses from an enemy are nothing but lies.
7 If you have had enough to eat, honey doesn't taste good, but if you are really hungry, you will eat anything.
8 When you are far from home, you feel like a bird without a nest.
9 The sweet smell of incense can make you feel good, but true friendship is better still.
10 Don't desert an old friend of your family or visit your relatives when you are in trouble. A friend nearby is better than relatives far away.
11 My child, show good sense! Then I will be happy and able to answer anyone who criticizes me.
12 Be cautious and hide when you see danger-- don't be stupid and walk right into trouble.
13 Don't loan money to a stranger unless you are given something to guarantee payment.
14 A loud greeting early in the morning is the same as a curse.
15 The steady dripping of rain and the nagging of a wife are one and the same.
16 It's easier to catch the wind or hold olive oil in your hand than to stop a nagging wife.
17 Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.
18 Take care of a tree, and you will eat its fruit; look after your master, and you will be praised.
19 You see your face in a mirror and your thoughts in the minds of others.
20 Death and the grave are never satisfied, and neither are we.
21 Gold and silver are tested in a red-hot furnace, but we are tested by praise.
22 No matter how hard you beat a fool, you can't pound out the foolishness.
23 You should take good care of your sheep and goats,
24 because wealth and honor don't last forever.
25 After the hay is cut and the new growth appears and the harvest is over,
26 you can sell lambs and goats to buy clothes and land.
27 From the milk of the goats, you can make enough cheese to feed your family and all your servants.
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.