« | Proverbs 9 | » |
1 Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;
2 She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table.
3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city,
4 "Whoever [is] simple, let him turn in here!" [As for] him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
5 "Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.
7 " He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked [man only] harms himself.
8 Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise [man,] and he will love you.
9 Give [instruction] to a wise [man,] and he will be still wiser; Teach a just [man,] and he will increase in learning.
10 "The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One [is] understanding.
11 For by me your days will be multiplied, And years of life will be added to you.
12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself, And [if] you scoff, you will bear [it] alone."
13 A foolish woman is clamorous; [She is] simple, and knows nothing.
14 For she sits at the door of her house, On a seat [by] the highest places of the city,
15 To call to those who pass by, Who go straight on their way:
16 "Whoever [is] simple, let him turn in here"; And [as for] him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
17 "Stolen water is sweet, And bread [eaten] in secret is pleasant."
18 But he does not know that the dead [are] there, [That] her guests [are] in the depths of hell.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a modern translation of the Bible that seeks to preserve the stylistic and literary beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) while making it more accessible to contemporary readers. The project to create the NKJV began in 1975, spearheaded by Arthur Farstad and a team of over 130 scholars, theologians, and pastors. They aimed to maintain the traditional language and rhythm of the KJV while updating archaic terms and expressions to be more understandable for modern audiences. The translation was completed and published in 1982, offering a blend of reverence for the past and clarity for the present.
One of the defining features of the NKJV is its commitment to the Textus Receptus, the same Greek text underlying the New Testament of the KJV. This ensures a high degree of continuity between the two versions, making the NKJV familiar to those who have long cherished the KJV. However, the NKJV also considers findings from more recent scholarship and textual criticism, incorporating insights from the latest manuscripts and research. This approach helps to balance respect for the historical text with a recognition of the advancements in biblical studies.
The NKJV has been praised for its readability and poetic qualities, which make it suitable for both private study and public worship. Its translators worked diligently to preserve the lyrical and memorable phrasing of the KJV, which has deeply influenced English literature and religious practice. By modernizing the language without compromising the text’s inherent dignity and solemnity, the NKJV has become a popular choice among those who value both accuracy and elegance in their Bible reading.
Despite its strengths, the NKJV has faced criticism from some quarters. Critics argue that by adhering too closely to the Textus Receptus, it may not fully reflect the breadth of available manuscript evidence. Others feel that it may still be too archaic for some readers, especially those who are new to the Bible or who come from different linguistic backgrounds. Nonetheless, the NKJV remains a significant and respected translation, offering a bridge between the venerable tradition of the KJV and the needs of modern readers.