« | Proverbs 5 | » |
1 My son, if you listen closely to my wisdom and good sense,
2 you will have sound judgment, and you will always know the right thing to say.
3 The words of an immoral woman may be as sweet as honey and as smooth as olive oil.
4 But all that you really get from being with her is bitter poison and pain.
5 If you follow her, she will lead you down to the world of the dead.
6 She has missed the path that leads to life and doesn't even know it.
7 My son, listen to me and do everything I say.
8 Stay away from a bad woman! Don't even go near the door of her house.
9 You will lose your self-respect and end up in debt to some cruel person for the rest of your life.
10 Strangers will get your money and everything else you have worked for.
11 When it's all over, your body will waste away, as you groan
12 and shout, "I hated advice and correction!
13 I paid no attention to my teachers,
14 and now I am disgraced in front of everyone."
15 You should be faithful to your wife, just as you take water from your own well.
16 And don't be like a stream from which just any woman may take a drink.
17 Save yourself for your wife and don't have sex with other women.
18 Be happy with the wife you married when you were young.
19 She is beautiful and graceful, just like a deer; you should be attracted to her and stay deeply in love.
20 Don't go crazy over a woman who is unfaithful to her own husband!
21 The LORD sees everything, and he watches us closely.
22 Sinners are trapped and caught by their own evil deeds.
23 They get lost and die because of their foolishness and lack of self-control.
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.