« | Proverbs 4 | » |
1 O sons, hear the teaching of a father. Listen so you may get understanding.
2 For I give you good teaching. Do not turn away from it.
3 When I was a much loved and only son of my mother and father,
4 he taught me, saying, "Hold my words close to your heart. Keep my teachings and live.
5 Get wisdom and understanding. Do not forget or turn away from the words of my mouth.
6 Do not leave her alone, and she will keep you safe. Love her, and she will watch over you.
7 The beginning of wisdom is: Get wisdom! And with all you have gotten, get understanding.
8 Honor her and she will honor you. She will honor you if you hold her to your heart.
9 She will put on your head a crown of loving-favor and beauty."
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you on the right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be stopped. If you run, you will not trip.
13 Take hold of teaching. Do not let go. Watch over her, for she is your life.
14 Do not go on the path of the sinful. Do not walk in the way of bad men.
15 Stay away from it. Do not pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.
16 For they cannot sleep unless they do wrong. They are robbed of sleep unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of sin, and drink the wine of wrong-doing.
18 But the way of those who are right is like the early morning light. It shines brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
19 The way of the sinful is like darkness. They do not know what they trip over.
20 My son, listen to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings.
21 Do not let them leave your eyes. Keep them in the center of your heart.
22 For they are life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body.
23 Keep your heart pure for out of it are the important things of life.
24 Put false speaking away from you. Put bad talk far from you.
25 Let your eyes look straight in front of you, and keep looking at what is in front of you.
26 Watch the path of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.
27 Do not turn to the right or to the left. Turn your foot away from sin.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.