« | Psalm 31 | » |
1 (A psalm by David for the music leader.) I come to you, LORD, for protection. Don't let me be ashamed. Do as you have promised and rescue me.
2 Listen to my prayer and hurry to save me. Be my mighty rock and the fortress where I am safe.
3 You, LORD God, are my mighty rock and my fortress. Lead me and guide me, so that your name will be honored.
4 Protect me from hidden traps and keep me safe.
5 You are faithful, and I trust you because you rescued me.
6 I hate the worshipers of worthless idols, but I trust you, LORD.
7 I celebrate and shout because you are kind. You saw all my suffering, and you cared for me.
8 You kept me from the hands of my enemies, and you set me free.
9 Have pity, LORD! I am hurting and almost blind. My whole body aches.
10 I have known only sorrow all my life long, and I suffer year after year. I am weak from sin, and my bones are limp.
11 My enemies insult me. Neighbors are even worse, and I disgust my friends. People meet me on the street, and they turn and run.
12 I am completely forgotten like someone dead. I am merely a broken dish.
13 I hear the crowds whisper, "Everyone is afraid!" They are plotting and scheming to murder me.
14 But I trust you, LORD, and I claim you as my God.
15 My life is in your hands. Save me from enemies who hunt me down.
16 Smile on me, your servant. Have pity and rescue me.
17 I pray only to you. Don't disappoint me. Disappoint my cruel enemies until they lie silent in their graves.
18 Silence those proud liars! Make them stop bragging and insulting your people.
19 You are wonderful, and while everyone watches, you store up blessings for all who honor and trust you.
20 You are their shelter from harmful plots, and you are their protection from vicious gossip.
21 I will praise you, LORD, for showing great kindness when I was like a city under attack.
22 I was terrified and thought, "They've chased me far away from you!" But you answered my prayer when I shouted for help.
23 All who belong to the LORD, show how you love him. The LORD protects the faithful, but he severely punishes everyone who is proud.
24 All who trust the LORD, be cheerful and strong.
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.