« | Proverbs 31 |
1 The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy which his mother taught him.
2 What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows?
3 Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings.
4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes to lust for strong drink;
5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.
6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are of heavy hearts.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
8 Open your mouth for the dumb, for the cause of all the sons of those passing away.
9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
10 Who can find a woman of virtue? For her value is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband trusts safely in her, so that he shall have no need of plunder.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax, and works willingly with her hands.
14 She is like the merchants' ships; she brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is still night, and gives food to her household, and a share to her young women.
16 She considers a field, and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She binds her loins with strength, and makes her arms strong.
18 She sees that her merchandise is good; her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She lays her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; yea, she reaches forth her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes herself coverings; her clothing is silk and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes fine linen and sells it, and delivers girdles to the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her sons rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.
29 Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.
30 Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears Jehovah, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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.