« | Proverbs 9 | » |
1 Wisdom has built her house; she has made its seven columns.
2 She has prepared her food and wine; she has set her table.
3 She has sent out her servant girls, and she calls out from the highest place in the city.
4 She says to those who are uneducated, "Come in here, you foolish people!
5 Come and eat my food and drink the wine I have prepared.
6 Stop your foolish ways, and you will live; take the road of understanding.
7 "If you correct someone who makes fun of wisdom, you will be insulted. If you correct an evil person, you will get hurt.
8 Do not correct those who make fun of wisdom, or they will hate you. But correct the wise, and they will love you.
9 Teach the wise, and they will become even wiser; teach good people, and they will learn even more.
10 "Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord, and understanding begins with knowing the Holy One.
11 If you live wisely, you will live a long time; wisdom will add years to your life.
12 The wise person is rewarded by wisdom, but whoever makes fun of wisdom will suffer for it."
13 Foolishness is like a loud woman; she does not have wisdom or knowledge.
14 She sits at the door of her house at the highest place in the city.
15 She calls out to those who are passing by, who are going along, minding their own business.
16 She says to those who are uneducated, "Come in here, you foolish people!
17 Stolen water is sweeter, and food eaten in secret tastes better."
18 But these people don't know that everyone who goes there dies, that her guests end up deep in 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.