« | Proverbs 8 | » |
1 With great understanding, Wisdom is calling out
2 as she stands at the crossroads and on every hill.
3 She stands by the city gate where everyone enters the city, and she shouts:
4 "I am calling out to each one of you!
5 Good sense and sound judgment can be yours.
6 Listen, because what I say is worthwhile and right.
7 I always speak the truth and refuse to tell a lie.
8 Every word I speak is honest, not one is misleading or deceptive.
9 "If you have understanding, you will see that my words are just what you need.
10 Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold.
11 Wisdom is worth much more than precious jewels or anything else you desire."
12 I am Wisdom --Common Sense is my closest friend; I possess knowledge and sound judgment.
13 If you respect the LORD, you will hate evil. I hate pride and conceit and deceitful lies.
14 I am strong, and I offer sensible advice and sound judgment.
15 By my power kings govern, and rulers make laws that are fair.
16 Every honest leader rules with help from me.
17 I love everyone who loves me, and I will be found by all who honestly search.
18 I can make you rich and famous, important and successful.
19 What you receive from me is more valuable than even the finest gold or the purest silver.
20 I always do what is right,
21 and I give great riches to everyone who loves me.
22 From the beginning, I was with the LORD. I was there before he began
23 to create the earth. At the very first, the LORD gave life to me.
24 When I was born, there were no oceans or springs of water.
25 My birth was before mountains were formed or hills were put in place.
26 It happened long before God had made the earth or any of its fields or even the dust.
27 I was there when the LORD put the heavens in place and stretched the sky over the surface of the sea.
28 I was with him when he placed the clouds in the sky and created the springs that fill the ocean.
29 I was there when he set boundaries for the sea to make it obey him, and when he laid foundations to support the earth.
30 I was right beside the LORD, helping him plan and build. I made him happy each day, and I was happy at his side.
31 I was pleased with his world and pleased with its people.
32 Pay attention, my children! Follow my advice, and you will be happy.
33 Listen carefully to my instructions, and you will be wise.
34 Come to my home each day and listen to me. You will find happiness.
35 By finding me, you find life, and the LORD will be pleased with you.
36 But if you don't find me, you hurt only yourself, and if you hate me, you are in love with death.
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.