« | Psalm 25 | » |
1 (By David.) I offer you my heart, LORD God,
2 and I trust you. Don't make me ashamed or let enemies defeat me.
3 Don't disappoint any of your worshipers, but disappoint all deceitful liars.
4 Show me your paths and teach me to follow;
5 guide me by your truth and instruct me. You keep me safe, and I always trust you.
6 Please, LORD, remember, you have always been patient and kind.
7 Forget each wrong I did when I was young. Show how truly kind you are and remember me.
8 You are honest and merciful, and you teach sinners how to follow your path.
9 You lead humble people to do what is right and to stay on your path.
10 In everything you do, you are kind and faithful to everyone who keeps our agreement with you.
11 Be true to your name, LORD, by forgiving each one of my terrible sins.
12 You will show the right path to all who worship you.
13 They will have plenty, and then their children will receive the land.
14 Our LORD, you are the friend of your worshipers, and you make an agreement with all of us.
15 I always look to you, because you rescue me from every trap.
16 I am lonely and troubled. Show that you care and have pity on me.
17 My awful worries keep growing. Rescue me from sadness.
18 See my troubles and misery and forgive my sins.
19 Look at all my enemies! See how much they hate me.
20 I come to you for shelter. Protect me, keep me safe, and don't disappoint me.
21 I obey you with all my heart, and I trust you, knowing that you will save me.
22 Our God, please save Israel from all of its troubles.
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.