« | Proverbs 4 | » |
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father, and give attention to know understanding.
2 For I give you a good gift; forsake not my law.
3 For I also was a son obedient to my father, and loved in the sight of my mother:
4 who spoke and instructed me, [saying], Let our speech be fixed in your heart, keep our commandments, forget them not:
5 and do not neglect the speech of my mouth.
6 And forsake it not, and it shall cleave to you: love it, and it shall keep you.
7 [This translation omits this verse.]
8 Secure it, and it shall exalt you: honor it, that it may embrace you;
9 that it may give unto your head a crown of grace, and may cover you with a crown of delight.
10 Hear, [my] son, and receive my words, and the years of your life shall be increased, that the resources of your life may be many.
11 For I teach you the ways of wisdom; and I cause you to go in right paths.
12 For when you go, your steps shall not be hindered; and when you run, you shall not be distressed.
13 Take hold of my instruction; do not let it go, but keep it for yourself, for your life.
14 Go not in the ways of the ungodly, neither covet the ways of transgressors.
15 In whatever place they shall pitch their camp, do not go there; but turn from them, and pass away.
16 For they cannot sleep, unless they have done evil: their sleep is taken away, and they rest not.
17 For these live upon the bread of ungodliness, and are drunken with [the] wine of transgression.
18 But the ways of the righteous shine like light; they go forth and shine, until the day has fully come.
19 But the ways of the ungodly are like darkness; they know not how they stumble.
20 [My] son, attend to my speech, and incline your ear to my words,
21 that your fountains may not fail you; keep them in [your] heart.
22 For they are life to those that find them, and health to all [their] flesh.
23 Keep your heart with the utmost care, for out of these are the issues of life.
24 Remove from yourself a deceitful mouth, and put unjust lips far away from yourself.
25 Let your eyes look right on, and let your eyelids assent [to] just [things].
26 Make straight paths for your feet, and order your ways rightly.
27 Turn not aside to the right hand, nor to the left, but turn away your foot from an evil way: [ 4:27A] for God knows the ways on the right hand, but those on the left are crooked: [ 4:27B] and He will make your ways straight, and will guide your steps in peace.
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.