« | Proverbs 29 | » |
1 If you keep being stubborn after many warnings, you will suddenly discover you have gone too far.
2 When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans.
3 If you love wisdom your parents will be glad, but chasing after bad women will cost you everything.
4 An honest ruler makes the nation strong; a ruler who takes bribes will bring it to ruin.
5 Flattery is nothing less than setting a trap.
6 Your sins will catch you, but everyone who lives right will sing and celebrate.
7 The wicked don't care about the rights of the poor, but good people do.
8 Sneering at others is a spark that sets a city on fire; using good sense can put out the flames of anger.
9 Be wise and don't sue a fool. You won't get satisfaction, because all the fool will do is sneer and shout.
10 A murderer hates everyone who is honest and lives right.
11 Don't be a fool and quickly lose your temper-- be sensible and patient.
12 A ruler who listens to lies will have corrupt officials.
13 The poor and all who abuse them must each depend on God for light.
14 Kings who are fair to the poor will rule forever.
15 Correct your children, and they will be wise; children out of control disgrace their mothers.
16 Crime increases when crooks are in power, but law-abiding citizens will see them fall.
17 If you correct your children, they will bring you peace and happiness.
18 Without guidance from God law and order disappear, but God blesses everyone who obeys his Law.
19 Even when servants are smart, it takes more than words to make them obey.
20 There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.
21 Slaves that you treat kindly from their childhood will cause you sorrow.
22 A person with a quick temper stirs up arguments and commits a lot of sins.
23 Too much pride brings disgrace; humility leads to honor.
24 If you take part in a crime you are your worst enemy, because even under oath you can't tell the truth.
25 Don't fall into the trap of being a coward-- trust the LORD, and you will be safe.
26 Many try to make friends with a ruler, but justice comes from the LORD.
27 Good people and criminals can't stand each other.
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.