« | Proverbs 6 | » |
1 My child, suppose you agree to pay the debt of someone, who cannot repay a loan.
2 Then you are trapped by your own words,
3 and you are now in the power of someone else. Here is what you should do: Go and beg for permission to call off the agreement.
4 Do this before you fall asleep or even get sleepy.
5 Save yourself, just as a deer or a bird tries to escape from a hunter.
6 You lazy people can learn by watching an anthill.
7 Ants don't have leaders,
8 but they store up food during harvest season.
9 How long will you lie there doing nothing at all? When are you going to get up and stop sleeping?
10 Sleep a little. Doze a little. Fold your hands and twiddle your thumbs.
11 Suddenly, everything is gone, as though it had been taken by an armed robber.
12 Worthless liars go around
13 winking and giving signals to deceive others.
14 They are always thinking up something cruel and evil, and they stir up trouble.
15 But they will be struck by sudden disaster and left without a hope.
16 There are six or seven kinds of people the LORD doesn't like:
17 Those who are too proud or tell lies or murder,
18 those who make evil plans or are quick to do wrong,
19 those who tell lies in court or stir up trouble in a family.
20 Obey the teaching of your parents--
21 always keep it in mind and never forget it.
22 Their teaching will guide you when you walk, protect you when you sleep, and talk to you when you are awake.
23 The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.
24 They will protect you from the flattering words of someone else's wife.
25 Don't let yourself be attracted by the charm and lovely eyes of someone like that.
26 A woman who sells her love can be bought for as little as the price of a meal. But making love to another man's wife will cost you everything.
27 If you carry burning coals, you burn your clothes;
28 if you step on hot coals, you burn your feet.
29 And if you go to bed with another man's wife, you pay the price.
30 We don't put up with thieves, not even with one who steals for something to eat.
31 And thieves who get caught must pay back seven times what was stolen and lose everything.
32 But if you go to bed with another man's wife, you will destroy yourself by your own stupidity.
33 You will be beaten and forever disgraced,
34 because a jealous husband can be furious and merciless when he takes revenge.
35 He won't let you pay him off, no matter what you offer.
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.