« | Proverbs 7 | » |
1 My son, remember what I say, and treasure my commands.
2 Obey my commands, and you will live. Guard my teachings as you would your own eyes.
3 Remind yourself of them; write them on your heart as if on a tablet.
4 Treat wisdom as a sister, and make understanding your closest friend.
5 Wisdom and understanding will keep you away from adultery, away from the unfaithful wife and her pleasing words.
6 Once while I was at the window of my house I looked out through the shutters
7 and saw some foolish, young men. I noticed one of them had no wisdom.
8 He was walking down the street near the corner on the road leading to her house.
9 It was the twilight of the evening; the darkness of the night was just beginning.
10 Then the woman approached him, dressed like a prostitute and planning to trick him.
11 She was loud and stubborn and never stayed at home.
12 She was always out in the streets or in the city squares, waiting around on the corners of the streets.
13 She grabbed him and kissed him. Without shame she said to him,
14 "I made my fellowship offering and took some of the meat home. Today I have kept my special promises.
15 So I have come out to meet you; I have been looking for you and have found you.
16 I have covered my bed with colored sheets from Egypt.
17 I have made my bed smell sweet with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.
18 Come, let's make love until morning. Let's enjoy each other's love.
19 My husband is not home; he has gone on a long trip.
20 He took a lot of money with him and won't be home for weeks."
21 By her clever words she made him give in; by her pleasing words she led him into doing wrong.
22 All at once he followed her, like an ox led to the butcher, like a deer caught in a trap
23 and shot through the liver with an arrow. Like a bird caught in a trap, he didn't know what he did would kill him.
24 Now, my sons, listen to me; pay attention to what I say.
25 Don't let yourself be tricked by such a woman; don't go where she leads you.
26 She has ruined many good men, and many have died because of her.
27 Her house is on the road to death, the road that leads down to the grave.
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.