« | Proverbs 3 | » |
1 My son, do not forget my teaching. Let your heart keep my words.
2 For they will add to you many days and years of life and peace.
3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you. Tie them around your neck. Write them upon your heart.
4 So you will find favor and good understanding in the eyes of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding.
6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and turn away from what is sinful.
8 It will be healing to your body and medicine to your bones.
9 Honor the Lord with your riches, and with the first of all you grow.
10 Then your store-houses will be filled with many good things and your barrels will flow over with new wine.
11 My son, listen when the Lord punishes you. Do not give up when He tells you what you must do.
12 The Lord punishes everyone He loves. He whips every son He receives.
13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gets understanding.
14 For it is better than getting silver and fine gold.
15 She is worth more than stones of great worth. Nothing you can wish for compares with her.
16 Long life is in her right hand. Riches and honor are in her left hand.
17 Her ways are pleasing, and all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her. Happy are all who hold her near.
19 The Lord built the earth by wisdom. He built the heavens by understanding.
20 By what He knows, the seas were broken up and water falls from the sky.
21 My son, do not allow them to leave your eyes. Keep perfect wisdom and careful thinking.
22 And they will be life to your soul and a chain of beauty to your neck.
23 Then you will be safe as you walk on your way, and your foot will not trip.
24 You will not be afraid when you lie down. When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
25 Do not be afraid of fear that comes all at once. And do not be afraid of the storm of the sinful when it comes.
26 For the Lord will be your trust. He will keep your foot from being caught.
27 Do not keep good from those who should have it, when it is in your power to do it.
28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and return tomorrow, and I will give it," when you have it with you.
29 Do not plan for your neighbor to be hurt, while he trusts you enough to live beside you.
30 Do not fight with a man for no reason, when he has done you no wrong.
31 Do not be jealous of a man who hurts others, and do not choose any of his ways.
32 For the bad man is hated by the Lord, but He is near to those who are right with Him.
33 The punishment of the Lord is on the house of the sinful, but He makes good come to the house of those who are right with Him.
34 God makes fun of those who make fun of the truth but gives loving-favor to those who have no pride.
35 Honor will be given to the wise, but shame will be given to fools.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.