« | Proverbs 3 | » |
1 My child, remember my teachings and instructions and obey them completely.
2 They will help you live a long and prosperous life.
3 Let love and loyalty always show like a necklace, and write them in your mind.
4 God and people will like you and consider you a success.
5 With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment.
6 Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow.
7 Don't ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the LORD and stay away from evil.
8 This will make you healthy, and you will feel strong.
9 Honor the LORD by giving him your money and the first part of all your crops.
10 Then you will have more grain and grapes than you will ever need.
11 My child, don't turn away or become bitter when the LORD corrects you.
12 The LORD corrects everyone he loves, just as parents correct their favorite child.
13 God blesses everyone who has wisdom and common sense.
14 Wisdom is worth more than silver; it makes you much richer than gold.
15 Wisdom is more valuable than precious jewels; nothing you want compares with her.
16 In her right hand Wisdom holds a long life, and in her left hand are wealth and honor.
17 Wisdom makes life pleasant and leads us safely along.
18 Wisdom is a life-giving tree, the source of happiness for all who hold on to her.
19 By his wisdom and knowledge the LORD created heaven and earth.
20 By his understanding he let the ocean break loose and clouds release the rain.
21 My child, use common sense and sound judgment! Always keep them in mind.
22 They will help you to live a long and beautiful life.
23 You will walk safely and never stumble;
24 you will rest without a worry and sleep soundly.
25 So don't be afraid of sudden disasters or storms that strike those who are evil.
26 You can be sure that the LORD will protect you from harm.
27 Do all you can for everyone who deserves your help.
28 Don't tell your neighbor to come back tomorrow, if you can help today.
29 Don't try to be mean to neighbors who trust you.
30 Don't argue just to be arguing, when you haven't been hurt.
31 Don't be jealous of cruel people or follow their example.
32 The LORD doesn't like anyone who is dishonest, but he lets good people be his friends.
33 He places a curse on the home of everyone who is evil, but he blesses the home of every good person.
34 The LORD sneers at those who sneer at him, but he is kind to everyone who is humble.
35 You will be praised if you are wise, but you will be disgraced if you are a stubborn fool.
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.