« | Proverbs 28 | » |
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion.
2 When a land rebels it has many rulers; but with an intelligent ruler there is lasting order.
3 A ruler who oppresses the poor is a beating rain that leaves no food.
4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law struggle against them.
5 The evil do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
6 Better to be poor and walk in integrity than to be crooked in one's ways even though rich.
7 Those who keep the law are wise children, but companions of gluttons shame their parents.
8 One who augments wealth by exorbitant interest gathers it for another who is kind to the poor.
9 When one will not listen to the law, even one's prayers are an abomination.
10 Those who mislead the upright into evil ways will fall into pits of their own making, but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11 The rich is wise in self-esteem, but an intelligent poor person sees through the pose.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory, but when the wicked prevail, people go into hiding.
13 No one who conceals transgressions will prosper, but one who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14 Happy is the one who is never without fear, but one who is hard-hearted will fall into calamity.
15 Like a roaring lion or a charging bear is a wicked ruler over a poor people.
16 A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor; but one who hates unjust gain will enjoy a long life.
17 If someone is burdened with the blood of another, let that killer be a fugitive until death; let no one offer assistance.
18 One who walks in integrity will be safe, but whoever follows crooked ways will fall into the Pit.
19 Anyone who tills the land will have plenty of bread, but one who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 The faithful will abound with blessings, but one who is in a hurry to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good-- yet for a piece of bread a person may do wrong.
22 The miser is in a hurry to get rich and does not know that loss is sure to come.
23 Whoever rebukes a person will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.
24 Anyone who robs father or mother and says, "That is no crime," is partner to a thug.
25 The greedy person stirs up strife, but whoever trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
26 Those who trust in their own wits are fools; but those who walk in wisdom come through safely.
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but one who turns a blind eye will get many a curse.
28 When the wicked prevail, people go into hiding; but when they perish, the righteous increase.
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) is a highly respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1989 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as an update to the Revised Standard Version (RSV) of 1952, with the goal of incorporating the latest biblical scholarship and addressing changes in the English language. The NRSV is renowned for its accuracy, literary quality, and ecumenical approach, making it a preferred choice for both academic study and liturgical use across various Christian denominations.
One of the primary features of the NRSV is its commitment to being a literal, or word-for-word, translation while also ensuring that the text is clear and comprehensible for modern readers. The translation team, which included scholars from diverse religious backgrounds, aimed to produce a text that faithfully represents the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. This dedication to precision and clarity makes the NRSV an excellent resource for in-depth study and theological reflection, as it strives to convey the exact meaning of the original texts.
The NRSV is also notable for its inclusive language, which seeks to reflect the diversity of the contemporary Christian community. The translators took great care to avoid gender-specific language when the original texts did not explicitly require it, making the text more inclusive and accessible to all readers. This approach has been particularly appreciated in academic and liturgical settings, where sensitivity to gender and inclusivity are important considerations. The NRSV’s attention to inclusive language helps ensure that all readers can see themselves reflected in the biblical narrative.
Despite its many strengths, the NRSV has faced some criticism, particularly from those who prefer more traditional translations. Critics argue that the use of inclusive language can sometimes lead to interpretations that differ from the original intent of the texts. Additionally, some conservative scholars and readers feel that the NRSV’s ecumenical approach may result in compromises on certain theological nuances. Nonetheless, the New Revised Standard Version remains a highly valued translation, widely used in churches, seminaries, and universities for its scholarly rigor, literary excellence, and commitment to inclusivity.