« | Proverbs 7 | » |
1 [My] son, keep my words, and hide my commandments with you. [ 7:2] [My] son, honor the Lord, and you shall be strong; and fear none but Him.
2 Keep my commandments, and you shall live; and [keep] my words as the pupils of [your] eyes.
3 And bind them on your fingers, and write [them] on the table of your heart.
4 Say that wisdom is your sister, and gain prudence as an acquaintance for yourself;
5 that she may keep you from the strange and wicked woman, if she should assail you with flattering words.
6 For she looks from a window out of her house into the streets, at one whom she may see of the senseless ones, a young man devoid of understanding,
7 passing by the corner in the passages near her house,
8 and speaking, in the dark of the evening,
9 when there happens [to be] the stillness of night and of darkness:
10 and the woman meets him having the appearance of a harlot, that causes the hearts of young men to flutter.
11 And she is fickle and rebellious, and her feet abide not at home.
12 For at one time she wanders outside, and at another time she lies in wait in the streets, at every corner.
13 Then she caught him, and kissed him, and with an impudent face said to him,
14 I have a peace offering; today I pay my vows:
15 therefore I came forth to meet you, desiring your face; and I have found you.
16 I have spread my bed with sheets, and I have covered it with double tapestry from Egypt.
17 I have sprinkled my couch with saffron, and my house with cinnamon.
18 Come, and let us enjoy love until the morning; come, and let us embrace in love.
19 For my husband is not at home, and has gone on a long journey,
20 having taken in his hand a bundle of money: after many days he will return to his house.
21 So with much conversation she prevailed on him to go astray, and with the snares of her lips forced him from [the right path].
22 And he followed her, being gently led on, as that of an ox led to the slaughter, and as a dog to bonds, or as a deer shot in the liver with an arrow:
23 and he hastens as a bird into a snare, not knowing that he is running for his life.
24 Now then [my] son, listen to me, and attend to the words of my mouth.
25 Let not your heart turn aside to her ways,
26 for she has wounded and cast down many, and those whom she has slain are innumerable.
27 Her house is the way of hell, leading down to the chambers of death.
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.