« | Proverbs 28 | » |
1 Wicked people run away when no one chases them, but those who live right are as brave as lions.
2 In time of civil war there are many leaders, but a sensible leader restores law and order.
3 When someone poor takes over and mistreats the poor, it's like a heavy rain destroying the crops.
4 Lawbreakers praise criminals, but law-abiding citizens always oppose them.
5 Criminals don't know what justice means, but all who respect the LORD understand it completely.
6 It's better to be poor and live right, than to be rich and dishonest.
7 It makes good sense to obey the Law of God, but you disgrace your parents if you make friends with worthless nobodies.
8 If you make money by charging high interest rates, you will lose it all to someone who cares for the poor.
9 God cannot stand the prayers of anyone who disobeys his Law.
10 By leading good people to sin, you dig a pit for yourself, but all who live right will have a bright future.
11 The rich think highly of themselves, but anyone poor and sensible sees right through them.
12 When an honest person wins, it's time to celebrate; when crooks are in control, it's best to hide.
13 If you don't confess your sins, you will be a failure. But God will be merciful if you confess your sins and give them up.
14 The LORD blesses everyone who is afraid to do evil, but if you are cruel, you will end up in trouble.
15 A ruler who mistreats the poor is like a roaring lion or a bear hunting for food.
16 A heartless leader is a fool, but anyone who refuses to get rich by cheating others will live a long time.
17 Don't give help to murderers! Make them stay on the run for as long as they live.
18 Honesty will keep you safe, but everyone who is crooked will suddenly fall.
19 Work hard, and you will have a lot of food; waste time, and you will have a lot of trouble.
20 God blesses his loyal people, but punishes all who want to get rich quick.
21 It isn't right to be unfair, but some people can be bribed with only a piece of bread.
22 Don't be selfish and eager to get rich-- you will end up worse off than you can imagine.
23 Honest correction is appreciated more than flattery.
24 If you cheat your parents and don't think it's wrong, you are a common thief.
25 Selfish people cause trouble, but you will live a full life if you trust the LORD.
26 Only fools would trust what they alone think, but if you live by wisdom, you will do all right.
27 Giving to the poor will keep you from poverty, but if you close your eyes to their needs, everyone will curse you.
28 When crooks are in control, everyone tries to hide, but when they lose power, good people are everywhere.
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.