« | Proverbs 31 |
1 My words have been spoken by God- the oracular answer of a king, whom his mother instructed.
2 What will you keep, my son, what? The words of God? My firstborn son, I speak to you: what? Son of my womb? What? Son of my vows?
3 Give not your wealth to women, nor your mind and living to remorse. Do all things with counsel: drink wine with counsel.
4 Princes are prone to anger: let them then not drink wine:
5 lest they drink, and forget wisdom, and not be able to judge the poor rightly.
6 Give strong drink to those that are in sorrow, and the wine to drink to those in pain,
7 that they may forget their poverty, and may not remember their troubles anymore.
8 Open your mouth with the word of God, and judge all fairly.
9 Open your mouth and judge justly, and plead the cause of the poor and weak.
10 Who shall find a virtuous woman? For such a one is more valuable than precious stones.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her; such a one shall stand in no need of fine spoils.
12 For she employs all her living for her husband's good.
13 Gathering wool and flax, she makes it serviceable with her hands.
14 She is like a ship trading from a distance- so she procures her livelihood.
15 And she rises by night, and gives food to her household, and [appointed] tasks to her maidens.
16 She views a farm, and buys it; and with the fruit of her hands she plants and a possession.
17 She strongly girds her loins, and strengthens her arms for work.
18 And she finds by experience that working is good, and her lamp does not go out all night.
19 She reaches forth her arms to needful works, and applies her hands to the spindle.
20 And she opens her hands to the needy, and reaches out fruit to the poor.
21 Her husband is not anxious about those at home when he tarries anywhere abroad: for all her household are clothed.
22 She makes for her husband clothes of double texture, and garments for herself of fine linen and scarlet.
23 And her husband becomes a distinguished [person] in the gates, when he sits in council with the old inhabitants of the land.
24 She makes fine linens, and sells sashes to the Canaanites; she opens her mouth heedfully and with propriety, and controls her tongue.
25 She puts on strength and honor, and rejoices in the last days.
26 But she opens her mouth wisely, and according to law.
27 The ways of her household are careful, and she eats not the bread of idleness.
28 And her kindness to them sets up her children for them, and they grow rich, and her husband praises her.
29 Many daughters have obtained wealth, many have wrought valiantly, but you have exceeded, you have surpassed all.
30 Charms are false, and woman's beauty is vain: for it is a wise woman that is blessed, and let her praise the fear the Lord.
31 Give her of the fruit of her lips; and let her husband be praised in the gates.
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.