« | Proverbs 29 | » |
1 One who is often reproved, yet remains stubborn, will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
3 A child who loves wisdom makes a parent glad, but to keep company with prostitutes is to squander one's substance.
4 By justice a king gives stability to the land, but one who makes heavy exactions ruins it.
5 Whoever flatters a neighbor is spreading a net for the neighbor's feet.
6 In the transgression of the evil there is a snare, but the righteous sing and rejoice.
7 The righteous know the rights of the poor; the wicked have no such understanding.
8 Scoffers set a city aflame, but the wise turn away wrath.
9 If the wise go to law with fools, there is ranting and ridicule without relief.
10 The bloodthirsty hate the blameless, and they seek the life of the upright.
11 A fool gives full vent to anger, but the wise quietly holds it back.
12 If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.
13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common: the LORD gives light to the eyes of both.
14 If a king judges the poor with equity, his throne will be established forever.
15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by a neglected child.
16 When the wicked are in authority, transgression increases, but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
17 Discipline your children, and they will give you rest; they will give delight to your heart.
18 Where there is no prophecy, the people cast off restraint, but happy are those who keep the law.
19 By mere words servants are not disciplined, for though they understand, they will not give heed.
20 Do you see someone who is hasty in speech? There is more hope for a fool than for anyone like that.
21 A slave pampered from childhood will come to a bad end.
22 One given to anger stirs up strife, and the hothead causes much transgression.
23 A person's pride will bring humiliation, but one who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
24 To be a partner of a thief is to hate one's own life; one hears the victim's curse, but discloses nothing.
25 The fear of others lays a snare, but one who trusts in the LORD is secure.
26 Many seek the favor of a ruler, but it is from the LORD that one gets justice.
27 The unjust are an abomination to the righteous, but the upright are an abomination to the wicked.
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.