« | Psalm 10 | » |
1 Why are you far away, LORD? Why do you hide yourself when I am in trouble?
2 Proud and brutal people hunt down the poor. But let them get caught by their own evil plans!
3 The wicked brag about their deepest desires. Those greedy people hate and curse you, LORD.
4 The wicked are too proud to turn to you or even think about you.
5 They are always successful, though they can't understand your teachings, and they keep sneering at their enemies.
6 In their hearts they say, "Nothing can hurt us! We'll always be happy and free from trouble."
7 They curse and tell lies, and all they talk about is how to be cruel or how to do wrong.
8 They hide outside villages, waiting to strike and murder some innocent victim.
9 They are hungry lions hiding in the bushes, hoping to catch some helpless passerby. They trap the poor in nets and drag them away.
10 They crouch down and wait to grab a victim.
11 They say, "God can't see! He's got on a blindfold."
12 Do something, LORD God, and use your powerful arm to help those in need.
13 The wicked don't respect you. In their hearts they say, "God won't punish us!"
14 But you see the trouble and the distress, and you will do something. The poor can count on you, and so can orphans.
15 Now break the arms of all merciless people. Punish them for doing wrong and make them stop.
16 Our LORD, you will always rule, but nations will vanish from the earth.
17 You listen to the longings of those who suffer. You offer them hope, and you pay attention to their cries for help.
18 You defend orphans and everyone else in need, so that no one on earth can terrify others again.
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.