« | Proverbs 29 | » |
1 He who is often rebuked, [and] hardens [his] neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked [man] rules, the people groan.
3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, But a companion of harlots wastes [his] wealth.
4 The king establishes the land by justice, But he who receives bribes overthrows it.
5 A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.
6 By transgression an evil man is snared, But the righteous sings and rejoices.
7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, [But] the wicked does not understand [such] knowledge.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, But wise [men] turn away wrath.
9 [If] a wise man contends with a foolish man, Whether [the fool] rages or laughs, [there is] no peace.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, But the upright seek his well-being.
11 A fool vents all his feelings, But a wise [man] holds them back.
12 If a ruler pays attention to lies, All his servants [become] wicked.
13 The poor [man] and the oppressor have this in common: The LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 The king who judges the poor with truth, His throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, But a child left [to himself] brings shame to his mother.
16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases; But the righteous will see their fall.
17 Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul.
18 Where [there is] no revelation, the people cast off restraint; But happy [is] he who keeps the law.
19 A servant will not be corrected by mere words; For though he understands, he will not respond.
20 Do you see a man hasty in his words? [There is] more hope for a fool than for him.
21 He who pampers his servant from childhood Will have him as a son in the end.
22 An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression.
23 A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life; He swears to tell the truth, but reveals nothing.
25 The fear of man brings a snare, But whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe.
26 Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man [comes] from the LORD.
27 An unjust man [is] an abomination to the righteous, And [he who is] upright in the way [is] an abomination to the wicked.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.