« | Proverbs 6 | » |
1 My child, be careful about giving a guarantee for somebody else's loan, about promising to pay what someone else owes.
2 You might get trapped by what you say; you might be caught by your own words.
3 My child, if you have done this and are under your neighbor's control, here is how to get free. Don't be proud. Go to your neighbor and beg to be free from your promise.
4 Don't go to sleep or even rest your eyes,
5 but free yourself like a deer running from a hunter, like a bird flying away from a trapper.
6 Go watch the ants, you lazy person. Watch what they do and be wise.
7 Ants have no commander, no leader or ruler,
8 but they store up food in the summer and gather their supplies at harvest.
9 How long will you lie there, you lazy person? When will you get up from sleeping?
10 You sleep a little; you take a nap. You fold your hands and lie down to rest.
11 So you will be as poor as if you had been robbed; you will have as little as if you had been held up.
12 Some people are wicked and no good. They go around telling lies,
13 winking with their eyes, tapping with their feet, and making signs with their fingers.
14 They make evil plans in their hearts and are always starting arguments.
15 So trouble will strike them in an instant; suddenly they will be so hurt no one can help them.
16 There are six things the Lord hates. There are seven things he cannot stand:
17 a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that kill innocent people,
18 a mind that thinks up evil plans, feet that are quick to do evil,
19 a witness who lies, and someone who starts arguments among families.
20 My son, keep your father's commands, and don't forget your mother's teaching.
21 Keep their words in mind forever as though you had them tied around your neck.
22 They will guide you when you walk. They will guard you when you sleep. They will speak to you when you are awake.
23 These commands are like a lamp; this teaching is like a light. And the correction that comes from them will help you have life.
24 They will keep you from sinful women and from the pleasing words of another man's unfaithful wife.
25 Don't desire her because she is beautiful. Don't let her capture you by the way she looks at you.
26 A prostitute will treat you like a loaf of bread, and a woman who takes part in adultery may cost you your life.
27 You cannot carry hot coals against your chest without burning your clothes,
28 and you cannot walk on hot coals without burning your feet.
29 The same is true if you have sexual relations with another man's wife. Anyone who does so will be punished.
30 People don't hate a thief when he steals because he is hungry.
31 But if he is caught, he must pay back seven times what he stole, and it may cost him everything he owns.
32 A man who takes part in adultery has no sense; he will destroy himself.
33 He will be beaten up and disgraced, and his shame will never go away.
34 Jealousy makes a husband very angry, and he will have no pity when he gets revenge.
35 He will accept no payment for the wrong; he will take no amount of money.
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.