« | Proverbs 28 | » |
1 The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.
2 When a land transgresses it has many rulers; but with men of understanding and knowledge its stability will long continue.
3 A poor man 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 strive against them.
5 Evil men do not understand justice, but those who seek the LORD understand it completely.
6 Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a rich man who is perverse in his ways.
7 He who keeps the law is a wise son, but a companion of gluttons shames his father.
8 He who augments his wealth by interest and increase gathers it for him who is kind to the poor.
9 If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.
10 He who misleads the upright into an evil way will fall into his own pit; but the blameless will have a goodly inheritance.
11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man who has understanding will find him out.
12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, men hide themselves.
13 He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
14 Blessed is the man who fears the LORD always; but he who hardens his heart 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 he who hates unjust gain will prolong his days.
17 If a man is burdened with the blood of another, let him be a fugitive until death; let no one help him.
18 He who walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is perverse in his ways will fall into a pit.
19 He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits will have plenty of poverty.
20 A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.
21 To show partiality is not good; but for a piece of bread a man will do wrong.
22 A miserly man hastens after wealth, and does not know that want will come upon him.
23 He who rebukes a man will afterward find more favor than he who flatters with his tongue.
24 He who robs his father or his mother and says, "That is no transgression," is the companion of a man who destroys.
25 A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will be enriched.
26 He who trusts in his own mind is a fool; but he who walks in wisdom will be delivered.
27 He who gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase.
The Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Revised Standard Version (RSV) is a widely respected English translation of the Bible that was first published in 1952 by the National Council of Churches. It was developed as a revision of the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901, with the primary aim of providing a more accurate and readable text while retaining the literary qualities of its predecessor. The RSV sought to modernize the language of the ASV without sacrificing its faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, making it a significant milestone in the history of English Bible translations.
One of the key features of the RSV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or a word-for-word translation approach. This method ensures that the translation closely mirrors the structure and wording of the original texts, allowing readers to engage more directly with the biblical languages. The translators of the RSV were guided by the latest biblical scholarship of their time, and they endeavored to produce a text that was both accurate and elegant. This combination of precision and literary quality has made the RSV a popular choice for both academic study and liturgical use.
The RSV also stands out for its ecumenical appeal. It was one of the first translations to be accepted across a wide range of Christian denominations, including Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox traditions. This broad acceptance was partly due to the inclusive approach of the translation committee, which included scholars from various religious backgrounds. The RSV’s ecumenical nature helped it gain widespread usage in churches, seminaries, and universities, fostering a greater sense of unity among different Christian communities.
Despite its many strengths, the RSV has faced some criticism over the years. Some conservative scholars and readers have expressed concerns about certain translation choices, arguing that they reflect modernist theological perspectives. Additionally, the RSV’s use of archaic language in certain passages has been a point of contention for those seeking a more contemporary rendering of the Bible. Nonetheless, the Revised Standard Version remains a highly respected and influential translation, valued for its accuracy, literary excellence, and broad ecumenical acceptance. It continues to serve as a foundation for later revisions and translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) and the English Standard Version (ESV).