« | Proverbs 6 | » |
1 [My] son, if you become surety for your friend, you shall deliver your hand to an enemy.
2 For a man's own lips become a strong snare to him, and he is caught with the lips of his own mouth.
3 [My] son, do what I command you, and deliver yourself; for on your friend's account you have come into the power of evil men: faint not, but stir up even your friend for whom you have become surety.
4 Give not sleep to your eyes, nor slumber with your eyelids;
5 that you may deliver yourself as a doe out of the toils, and as a bird out of a snare.
6 Go to the ant, O sluggard; and see, and emulate his ways, and become wiser than he.
7 For whereas he has no leader, nor anyone to compel him, and is under no master,
8 he prepares food for himself in the summer, and lays up abundant supplies in harvest. [ 6:8A] Or go to the bee, and learn how diligent she is, and how earnestly she is engaged in her work; [ 6:8B] whose labors kings and private men use for health, and she is desired and respected by all: [ 6:8C] though weak in body, she is advanced by honoring wisdom.
9 How long will you lie, O sluggard? And when will you awake out of sleep?
10 You sleep a little, and you rest a little, and you slumber a short time, and you fold your arms over your breast a little.
11 Then poverty comes upon you as an evil traveler, and your need as a swift courier. [ 6:11A] But if you be diligent, your harvest shall arrive as a fountain, and poverty shall flee away as a bad courier.
12 A foolish man and a transgressor goes in ways that are not good.
13 And the same winks with the eye, and makes a sign with his foot, and teaches with the beckonings of his fingers.
14 [His] perverse heart devises evils: at all times such a one causes troubles to a city.
15 Therefore his destruction shall come suddenly, overthrow and irretrievable ruin.
16 For he rejoices in all things which God hates, and he is ruined by reason of impurity of soul.
17 The eye of the haughty, an unjust tongue, hands shedding innocent blood,
18 a heart devising evil thoughts, and feet hastening to do evil, [are hateful to God].
19 An unjust witness kindles falsehoods, and brings on quarrels between brothers.
20 [My] son, keep the laws of your father, and do not reject the ordinances of your mother:
21 but bind them upon your soul continually, and hang them as a chain about your neck.
22 Whenever you walk, lead this along and let it be with you, that it may talk with you when you wake.
23 For the commandment of the law is a lamp and a light; a way of life; reproof also and correction:
24 to keep you continually from a married woman, and from the flattery of a strange tongue.
25 Let not the desire of beauty overcome you, neither be caught by her eyes, or captivated with her eyelids.
26 For the value of a harlot is as much as of one loaf of bread, and a woman hunts for the precious souls of men.
27 Shall anyone bind fire in his bosom, and not burn his garments?
28 Or will anyone walk on coals of fire, and not burn his feet?
29 So is he that goes in to a married woman; he shall not be held guiltless, neither anyone that touches her.
30 It is not to be wondered at if one should be caught stealing, for he steals that when hungry, he may satisfy his soul:
31 but if he should be caught, he shall repay sevenfold, and shall deliver himself by giving all his goods.
32 But the adulterer through lack of understanding procures destruction to his soul.
33 He endures both pain and disgrace, and his reproach shall never be wiped off.
34 For the soul of her husband is full of jealousy: he will not spare in the day of vengeance.
35 He will not forego his enmity for any ransom: neither will he be reconciled by many gifts.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.