« | Proverbs 5 | » |
1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen to my words of understanding.
2 Be careful to use good sense, and watch what you say.
3 The words of another man's wife may seem sweet as honey; they may be as smooth as olive oil.
4 But in the end she will bring you sorrow, causing you pain like a two-edged sword.
5 She is on the way to death; her steps are headed straight to the grave.
6 She gives little thought to life. She doesn't even know that her ways are wrong.
7 Now, my sons, listen to me, and don't ignore what I say.
8 Stay away from such a woman. Don't even go near the door of her house,
9 or you will give your riches to others, and the best years of your life will be given to someone cruel.
10 Strangers will enjoy your wealth, and what you worked so hard for will go to someone else.
11 You will groan at the end of your life when your health is gone.
12 Then you will say, "I hated being told what to do! I would not listen to correction!
13 I would not listen to my teachers or pay attention to my instructors.
14 I came close to being completely ruined in front of a whole group of people."
15 Be faithful to your own wife, just as you drink water from your own well.
16 Don't pour your water in the streets; don't give your love to just any woman.
17 These things are yours alone and shouldn't be shared with strangers.
18 Be happy with the wife you married when you were young. She gives you joy, as your fountain gives you water.
19 She is as lovely and graceful as a deer. Let her love always make you happy; let her love always hold you captive.
20 My son, don't be held captive by a woman who takes part in adultery. Don't hug another man's wife.
21 The Lord sees everything you do, and he watches where you go.
22 An evil man will be caught in his wicked ways; the ropes of his sins will tie him up.
23 He will die because he does not control himself, and he will be held captive by his foolishness.
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.