« | Proverbs 4 | » |
1 My child, listen closely to my teachings and learn common sense.
2 My advice is useful, so don't turn away.
3 When I was still very young and my mother's favorite child, my father
4 said to me: "If you follow my teachings and keep them in mind, you will live.
5 Be wise and learn good sense; remember my teachings and do what I say.
6 If you love Wisdom and don't reject her, she will watch over you.
7 The best thing about Wisdom is Wisdom herself; good sense is more important than anything else.
8 If you value Wisdom and hold tightly to her, great honors will be yours.
9 It will be like wearing a glorious crown of beautiful flowers.
10 My child, if you listen and obey my teachings, you will live a long time.
11 I have shown you the way that makes sense; I have guided you along the right path.
12 Your road won't be blocked, and you won't stumble when you run.
13 Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you.
14 Don't follow the bad example of cruel and evil people.
15 Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them.
16 They can't sleep or rest until they do wrong or harm some innocent victim.
17 Their food and drink are violence and cruelty.
18 The lifestyle of good people is like sunlight at dawn that keeps getting brighter until broad daylight.
19 The lifestyle of the wicked is like total darkness, and they will never know what makes them stumble.
20 My child, listen carefully to everything I say.
21 Don't forget a single word, but think about it all.
22 Knowing these teachings will mean true life and good health for you.
23 Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life.
24 Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say.
25 Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside.
26 Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground.
27 Don't make a mistake by turning to the right or the left.
The Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The Contemporary English Version (CEV) is a modern Bible translation that aims to make the scriptures accessible and understandable to a broad audience, including children and those with limited English proficiency. Published by the American Bible Society in 1995, the CEV emphasizes clarity, readability, and ease of comprehension. Unlike more literal translations, the CEV uses a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, which focuses on conveying the original meaning of the text in a way that is clear and straightforward for contemporary readers.
One of the key features of the CEV is its use of everyday language and simple sentence structures. The translators avoided theological jargon and archaic terms, instead opting for language that is commonly used in daily conversation. This makes the CEV particularly well-suited for public reading, educational settings, and outreach programs where the audience might not be familiar with traditional biblical language. The translation strives to communicate the essence of the biblical message without the barriers that complex language can sometimes create.
The CEV also pays special attention to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The translators sought to avoid expressions and idioms that might be misunderstood or offensive in different cultural contexts. Additionally, the CEV includes gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to make the text more inclusive while still remaining faithful to the original manuscripts. This approach helps ensure that Bible teachings are accessible to a diverse global audience, promoting understanding and acceptance across different cultures and communities.
Despite its strengths, the CEV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more literal translations. Critics argue that the CEV emphasises on simplicity and readability which can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Some theologians and scholars believe that the thought-for-thought approach may oversimplify complex theological concepts. Nevertheless, the Contemporary English Version remains a valuable resource for many readers, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that is particularly effective for those new to the scriptures or those seeking a more accessible way to engage with the biblical text.