« | Proverbs 9 | » |
1 Wisdom has built a house for herself, and set up seven pillars.
2 She has killed her beasts; she has mingled her wine in a bowl, and prepared her table.
3 She has sent forth her servants, calling with a loud proclamation to the feast, saying,
4 Whoever is foolish, let him turn aside to me: and to them that want understanding she says,
5 Come, eat of my bread, and drink wine which I have mingled for you.
6 Forsake folly, that you may reign forever; and seek wisdom, and improve understanding by knowledge.
7 He that reproves evil [men] shall get dishonor to himself, and he that rebukes an ungodly [man] shall disgrace himself.
8 Rebuke not evil men, lest they should hate you: rebuke a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give an opportunity to a wise man, and he will be wiser: instruct a just man, and he will receive more [instruction].
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the counsel of saints is understanding: [ 9:10A] for to know the law is [the character] of a sound mind.
11 For in this way you shall live long, and years of your life shall be added to you.
12 Son, if you are wise for yourself, you shall also be wise for your neighbors; and if you should prove wicked, you alone will bear the evil. [ 9:12A] He that stays himself upon falsehoods, attempts to rule the winds, and the same will pursue birds in their fight: [ 9:12B] for he has forsaken the ways of his own vineyard, and he has caused the axles of his own cart to go astray; [ 9:12C] and he goes through a dry desert, and [a land] appointed to drought, and he gathers barrenness with his hands.
13 A foolish and bold woman, who knows not modesty, comes to want a morsel.
14 She sits at the doors of her house, on a seat openly in the streets,
15 calling to passers by, and to those that are going right on their ways;
16 saying, Whoever is [the] most senseless of you, let him turn aside to me; and I exhort those that want prudence, saying,
17 Take and enjoy secret bread, and the sweet water of theft.
18 But he knows that mighty men die by her, and he falls in with a snare of hell. [ 9:18A] But hasten away, do not delay in the place, neither fix your eye upon her; [ 9:18B] for thus shall you go through strange water; [ 9:18C] but abstain from strange water, and do not drink from a strange fountain, [ 9:18D] that you may live long, and years of life may be added to you.
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.