« | Proverbs 29 | » |
1 Whoever is stubborn after being corrected many times will suddenly be hurt beyond cure.
2 When good people do well, everyone is happy, but when evil people rule, everyone groans.
3 Those who love wisdom make their parents happy, but friends of prostitutes waste their money.
4 If a king is fair, he makes his country strong, but if he takes gifts dishonestly, he tears his country down.
5 Those who give false praise to their neighbors are setting a trap for them.
6 Evil people are trapped by their own sin, but good people can sing and be happy.
7 Good people care about justice for the poor, but the wicked are not concerned.
8 People who make fun of wisdom cause trouble in a city, but wise people calm anger down.
9 When a wise person takes a foolish person to court, the fool only shouts or laughs, and there is no peace.
10 Murderers hate an honest person and try to kill those who do right.
11 Foolish people lose their tempers, but wise people control theirs.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, all his officers will become wicked.
13 The poor person and the cruel person are alike in that the Lord gave eyes to both of them.
14 If a king judges poor people fairly, his government will continue forever.
15 Correction and punishment make children wise, but those left alone will disgrace their mother.
16 When there are many wicked people, there is much sin, but those who do right will see them destroyed.
17 Correct your children, and you will be proud; they will give you satisfaction.
18 Where there is no word from God, people are uncontrolled, but those who obey what they have been taught are happy.
19 Words alone cannot correct a servant, because even if he understands, he won't respond.
20 Do you see people who speak too quickly? There is more hope for a foolish person than for them.
21 If you spoil your servants when they are young, they will bring you grief later on.
22 An angry person causes trouble; a person with a quick temper sins a lot.
23 Pride will ruin people, but those who are humble will be honored.
24 Partners of thieves are their own worst enemies. If they have to testify in court, they are afraid to say anything.
25 Being afraid of people can get you into trouble, but if you trust the Lord, you will be safe.
26 Many people want to speak to a ruler, but justice comes only from the Lord.
27 Good people hate those who are dishonest, and the wicked hate those who are honest.
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.