« | Proverbs 28 | » |
1 Evil people run even though no one is chasing them, but good people are as brave as a lion.
2 When a country is lawless, it has one ruler after another; but when it is led by a man with understanding and knowledge, it continues strong.
3 Rulers who mistreat the poor are like a hard rain that destroys the crops.
4 Those who disobey what they have been taught praise the wicked, but those who obey what they have been taught are against them.
5 Evil people do not understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand it completely.
6 It is better to be poor and innocent than to be rich and wicked.
7 Children who obey what they have been taught are smart, but friends of troublemakers disgrace their parents.
8 Some people get rich by overcharging others, but their wealth will be given to those who are kind to the poor.
9 If you refuse to obey what you have been taught, your prayers will not be heard.
10 Those who lead good people to do wrong will be ruined by their own evil, but the innocent will be rewarded with good things.
11 Rich people may think they are wise, but the poor with understanding will prove them wrong.
12 When good people triumph, there is great happiness, but when the wicked get control, everybody hides.
13 If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy.
14 Those who are always respectful will be happy, but those who are stubborn will get into trouble.
15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to poor people as a roaring lion or a charging bear.
16 A ruler without wisdom will be cruel, but the one who refuses to take dishonest money will rule a long time.
17 Don't help those who are guilty of murder; let them run until they die.
18 Innocent people will be kept safe, but those who are dishonest will suddenly be ruined.
19 Those who work their land will have plenty of food, but the ones who chase empty dreams instead will end up poor.
20 A truthful person will have many blessings, but those eager to get rich will be punished.
21 It is not good for a judge to take sides, but some will sin for only a piece of bread.
22 Selfish people are in a hurry to get rich and do not realize they soon will be poor.
23 Those who correct others will later be liked more than those who give false praise.
24 Whoever robs his father or mother and says, "It's not wrong," is just like someone who destroys things.
25 A greedy person causes trouble, but the one who trusts the Lord will succeed.
26 Those who trust in themselves are foolish, but those who live wisely will be kept safe.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will have everything he needs, but the one who ignores the poor will receive many curses.
28 When the wicked get control, everybody hides, but when they die, good people do well.
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.