« | Proverbs 4 | » |
1 My children, listen to your father's teaching; pay attention so you will understand.
2 What I am telling you is good, so do not forget what I teach you.
3 When I was a young boy in my father's house and like an only child to my mother,
4 my father taught me and said, "Hold on to my words with all your heart. Keep my commands and you will live.
5 Get wisdom and understanding. Don't forget or ignore my words.
6 Hold on to wisdom, and it will take care of you. Love it, and it will keep you safe.
7 Wisdom is the most important thing; so get wisdom. If it costs everything you have, get understanding.
8 Treasure wisdom, and it will make you great; hold on to it, and it will bring you honor.
9 It will be like flowers in your hair and like a beautiful crown on your head."
10 My child, listen and accept what I say. Then you will have a long life.
11 I am guiding you in the way of wisdom, and I am leading you on the right path.
12 Nothing will hold you back; you will not be overwhelmed.
13 Always remember what you have been taught, and don't let go of it. Keep all that you have learned; it is the most important thing in life.
14 Don't follow the ways of the wicked; don't do what evil people do.
15 Avoid their ways, and don't follow them. Stay away from them and keep on going,
16 because they cannot sleep until they do evil. They cannot rest until they harm someone.
17 They feast on wickedness and cruelty as if they were eating bread and drinking wine.
18 The way of the good person is like the light of dawn, growing brighter and brighter until full daylight.
19 But the wicked walk around in the dark; they can't even see what makes them stumble.
20 My child, pay attention to my words; listen closely to what I say.
21 Don't ever forget my words; keep them always in mind.
22 They are the key to life for those who find them; they bring health to the whole body.
23 Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.
24 Don't use your mouth to tell lies; don't ever say things that are not true.
25 Keep your eyes focused on what is right, and look straight ahead to what is good.
26 Be careful what you do, and always do what is right.
27 Don't turn off the road of goodness; keep away from evil paths.
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.