« | Proverbs 3 | » |
1 My son, forget not my law; but let your heart keep my commandments;
2 for they shall add length of days, and long life, and peace to you.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart;
4 and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear Jehovah and depart from evil.
8 Healing shall be to your navel and marrow to your bones.
9 Honor Jehovah with your substance, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 and your barns shall be filled with plenty, and your presses shall burst with new wine.
11 My son, do not despise the chastening of Jehovah; nor be weary with His correction;
12 for whom Jehovah loves He corrects, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.
13 Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding.
14 For the profit from it is better than the gain from silver, and its produce more than fine gold;
15 she is more precious than rubies; and all the things you can desire are not to be compared with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand, riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold upon her; and happy is everyone who keeps her.
19 Jehovah has founded the earth by wisdom; by understanding He has founded the heavens.
20 By His knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, do not let them depart from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and judgment,
22 and they shall be life to your soul and grace to your neck;
23 then you shall walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble.
24 When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yea, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear, nor of the destroying of the wicked, when it comes.
26 For Jehovah shall be your hope, and shall keep your foot from being taken.
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, Go and come back again, and tomorrow I will give; when you have it beside you:
29 Do not plan evil against your neighbor, since he dwells trustingly by you.
30 Do not strive with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm.
31 Do not envy the cruel man, and choose none of his ways.
32 For the crooked man is hateful to Jehovah, but His secret is with the righteous.
33 The curse of Jehovah is in the house of the wicked; but He blesses the home of the just.
34 Surely He scorns the scorners; but He gives grace to the lowly.
35 The wise shall inherit glory; but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
The Modern King James Version (MKJV)
The Modern King James Version (MKJV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible that aims to preserve the majesty and accuracy of the original King James Version (KJV) while updating its language for modern readers. Developed by Jay P. Green Sr. and first published in 1990, the MKJV seeks to maintain the literary beauty and doctrinal reliability of the KJV, making only necessary adjustments to archaic terms and phrases to enhance readability. This careful balance allows the MKJV to retain the classic feel of the KJV while making it more accessible to today’s audience.
One of the standout features of the MKJV is its commitment to formal equivalence, or word-for-word translation. The translators have meticulously preserved the structure and vocabulary of the KJV, only updating words and phrases that have become outdated or whose meanings have shifted over time. This approach ensures that the MKJV remains faithful to the original texts and maintains the theological and literary integrity of the KJV. By preserving the cadence and phrasing of the original, the MKJV offers a reading experience that is both familiar and refreshed for modern readers.
The MKJV also pays special attention to the textual basis of the translation. Like the KJV, it relies on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. This adherence to traditional source texts underscores the MKJV’s commitment to continuity with the historic Christian tradition. The translation is designed to serve both devotional and scholarly purposes, providing a text that is suitable for study, teaching, and public reading in a variety of settings.
Despite its strengths, the Modern King James Version has faced some criticism. Some scholars and readers argue that the translation could benefit from a more extensive revision to fully embrace contemporary language, suggesting that the MKJV’s adherence to the structure and style of the KJV may still pose challenges for modern readers. Others appreciate the balance it strikes but note that it occupies a niche space, appealing primarily to those who have a strong attachment to the KJV. Nonetheless, the MKJV remains a respected and valued translation for those seeking a modern update of the KJV that honors its rich heritage and timeless message.