« | Proverbs 30 | » |
1 These are the words of Agur son of Jakeh.
2 "I am the most stupid person there is, and I have no understanding.
3 I have not learned to be wise, and I don't know much about God, the Holy One.
4 Who has gone up to heaven and come back down? Who can hold the wind in his hand? Who can gather up the waters in his coat? Who has set in place the ends of the earth? What is his name or his son's name? Tell me, if you know!
5 "Every word of God is true. He guards those who come to him for safety.
6 Do not add to his words, or he will correct you and prove you are a liar.
7 "I ask two things from you, Lord. Don't refuse me before I die.
8 Keep me from lying and being dishonest. And don't make me either rich or poor; just give me enough food for each day.
9 If I have too much, I might reject you and say, 'I don't know the Lord.' If I am poor, I might steal and disgrace the name of my God.
10 "Do not say bad things about servants to their masters, or they will curse you, and you will suffer for it.
11 "Some people curse their fathers and do not bless their mothers.
12 Some people think they are pure, but they are not really free from evil.
13 Some people have such a proud look! They look down on others.
14 Some people have teeth like swords; their jaws seem full of knives. They want to remove the poor from the earth and the needy from the land.
15 "Greed has two daughters named 'Give' and 'Give.' There are three things that are never satisfied, really four that never say, 'I've had enough!':
16 the cemetery, the childless mother, the land that never gets enough rain, and fire that never says, 'I've had enough!'
17 "If you make fun of your father and refuse to obey your mother, the birds of the valley will peck out your eyes, and the vultures will eat them.
18 "There are three things that are too hard for me, really four I don't understand:
19 the way an eagle flies in the sky, the way a snake slides over a rock, the way a ship sails on the sea, and the way a man and a woman fall in love.
20 "This is the way of a woman who takes part in adultery: She acts as if she had eaten and washed her face; she says, 'I haven't done anything wrong.'
21 "There are three things that make the earth tremble, really four it cannot stand:
22 a servant who becomes a king, a foolish person who has plenty to eat,
23 a hated woman who gets married, and a maid who replaces her mistress.
24 "There are four things on earth that are small, but they are very wise:
25 Ants are not very strong, but they store up food in the summer.
26 Rock badgers are not very powerful, but they can live among the rocks.
27 Locusts have no king, but they all go forward in formation.
28 Lizards can be caught in the hand, but they are found even in kings' palaces.
29 "There are three things that strut proudly, really four that walk as if they were important:
30 a lion, the proudest animal, which is strong and runs from nothing,
31 a rooster, a male goat, and a king when his army is around him.
32 "If you have been foolish and proud, or if you have planned evil, shut your mouth.
33 Just as stirring milk makes butter, and twisting noses makes them bleed, so stirring up anger causes trouble."
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.