« | Psalm 141 | » |
1 (A psalm by David.) I pray to you, LORD! Please listen when I pray and hurry to help me.
2 Think of my prayer as sweet-smelling incense, and think of my lifted hands as an evening sacrifice.
3 Help me to guard my words whenever I say something.
4 Don't let me want to do evil or waste my time doing wrong with wicked people. Don't let me even taste the good things they offer.
5 Let your faithful people correct and punish me. My prayers condemn the deeds of those who do wrong, so don't let me be friends with any of them.
6 Everyone will admit that I was right when their rulers are thrown down a rocky cliff,
7 and their bones lie scattered like broken rocks on top of a grave.
8 You are my LORD and God, and I look to you for safety. Don't let me be harmed.
9 Protect me from the traps of those violent people,
10 and make them fall into their own traps while you help me escape.
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.