« | Proverbs 3 | » |
1 [My] son, forget not my laws, but let your heart keep my words:
2 for length of days, and years of life, and peace, shall they add to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; but bind them about your neck:
4 so shall you find favor; and provide things honest in the sight of the Lord, and of men.
5 Trust in God with all your heart; and be not exalted in your own wisdom.
6 In all your ways acquaint yourself with her, that she may rightly direct your paths.
7 Be not wise in your own conceit; but fear God, and depart from all evil.
8 Then shall there be health to your body, and good keeping to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your just labors, and give Him the firstfruits of your righteousness,
10 that your storehouses may be completely filled with grain, and that your presses may burst forth with wine.
11 [My] son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when you are rebuked by Him:
12 for whom the Lord loves, He rebukes, and scourges every son whom He receives.
13 Blessed is the man who has found wisdom, and the mortal who knows prudence.
14 For it is better to traffic for her, than for treasures of gold and silver.
15 And she is more valuable than precious stones: no evil thing shall resist her. She is well known to all that approach her, and no precious thing is equal to her in value.
16 For length of days and years of life are in her right hand, and in her left hand are wealth and glory. [ 3:16A] Out of her mouth proceeds righteousness, and she carries law and mercy upon her tongue.
17 Her ways are good ways, and all her paths are peaceful.
18 She is a tree of life to all that lay hold of her, and she is a secure help to all that stay themselves on her, as on the Lord.
19 God by wisdom founded the earth, and by understanding He prepared the heavens.
20 By His knowledge were the depths broken up, and the clouds dropped water.
21 [My] son, let [them] not pass from [you], but keep my counsel and understanding:
22 that your soul may live, and that there may be grace around your neck; [ 3:22A] and it shall be health to your flesh, and safety to your bones:
23 that you may go confidently in peace in all your ways, and that your foot may not stumble.
24 For if you rest, you shall not be afraid; and if you sleep, you shall slumber sweetly.
25 And you shall not be afraid of alarm coming upon you, neither of approaching attacks of ungodly men.
26 For the Lord shall be over all your ways, and He shall establish your foot, that you not be moved.
27 Do not refrain from doing good to the poor, whenever your hand may have power to help [them].
28 Do not say, Come back another time, tomorrow I will give; while you are able [today] to do [him] good; for you know not what the next day will bring forth.
29 Do not devise evil against your friend, living near you and trusting in you.
30 Do not quarrel with a man without a cause, lest he do you some harm.
31 Do not procure the reproaches of bad men, neither shall you covet their ways.
32 For every transgressor is unclean before the Lord, neither does he sit among the righteous.
33 The curse of God is in the houses of the ungodly, but the habitations of the just are blessed.
34 The Lord resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble.
35 The wise shall inherit glory, but the ungodly have exalted [their own] dishonor.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.