« | Proverbs 9 | » |
1 Wisdom has built her house with its seven columns.
2 She has prepared the meat and set out the wine. Her feast is ready.
3 She has sent her servant women to announce her invitation from the highest hills:
4 "Everyone who is ignorant or foolish is invited!
5 All of you are welcome to my meat and wine.
6 If you want to live, give up your foolishness and let understanding guide your steps."
7 Correct a worthless bragger, and all you will get are insults and injuries.
8 Any bragger you correct will only hate you. But if you correct someone who has common sense, you will be loved.
9 If you have good sense, instruction will help you to have even better sense. And if you live right, education will help you to know even more.
10 Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God.
11 I am Wisdom. If you follow me, you will live a long time.
12 Good sense is good for you, but if you brag, you hurt yourself.
13 Stupidity is reckless, senseless, and foolish.
14 She sits in front of her house and on the highest hills in the town.
15 She shouts to everyone who passes by,
16 "If you are stupid, come on inside!" And to every fool she says,
17 "Stolen water tastes best, and the food you eat in secret tastes best of all."
18 None who listen to Stupidity understand that her guests are as good as dead.
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.