« | Proverbs 9 | » |
1 Wisdom has built her house. She has made seven pillars to hold it up.
2 She has cooked her food, and has mixed her wine, and she has set her table.
3 She has sent out the young women who work for her. She calls from the highest places of the city,
4 "Whoever is easy to fool, let him turn in here!" She says to the one without understanding,
5 "Come and eat my food, and drink the wine I have mixed.
6 Turn from your foolish way, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."
7 He who speaks strong words to the man who laughs at the truth brings shame upon himself. He who speaks strong words to a sinful man gets hurt.
8 Do not speak strong words to a man who laughs at the truth, or he will hate you. Speak strong words to a wise man, and he will love you.
9 Give teaching to a wise man and he will be even wiser. Teach a man who is right and good, and he will grow in learning.
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. To learn about the Holy One is understanding.
11 For by me your days will grow in number, and years will be added to your life.
12 If you are wise, your wisdom is a help to you. If you laugh at the truth, you alone will suffer for it.
13 A foolish woman makes much noise. She is open to sin, and knows nothing.
14 She sits at the door of her house or on a seat in the high places of the city.
15 She calls to those who pass by and are making their paths straight,
16 "Whoever is easy to fool, let him turn in here!" She says to the one without understanding,
17 "Stolen water is sweet. And bread eaten in secret is pleasing."
18 But he does not know that the dead are there, and that the ones who visit her are in the bottom of hell.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.