« | Psalm 73 | » |
1 A Psalm of Asaph. How good is God to Israel, to the upright in heart!
2 But my feet were almost overthrown; my goings very nearly slipped.
3 For I was jealous of the transgressors, beholding the tranquility of sinners.
4 For there is no sign of reluctance in their death, and [they have] firmness under their affliction.
5 They are not in the troubles of [other] men; and they shall not be scourged with [other] men.
6 Therefore pride has possessed them; they have clothed themselves with their injustice and ungodliness.
7 Their injustice shall go forth as out of fatness; they have fulfilled their intention.
8 They have taken counsel and spoken in wickedness; they have uttered unrighteousness loftily.
9 They have set their mouth against heaven, and their tongue has gone through upon the earth.
10 Therefore shall my people return here, and full days shall be found with them.
11 And they said, How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?
12 Behold, these [are] the sinners, and they that prosper always; they have possessed wealth.
13 And I said, Verily in vain have I justified my heart, and washed my hands in innocence.
14 For I was plagued all the day, and my reproof [was] every morning.
15 If I said, I will speak thus; behold, I [should] have broken covenant with the generation of Your children.
16 And I undertook to understand this, [but] it is too hard for me,
17 until I go into the sanctuary of God, [and so] understand the latter end.
18 Surely You have appointed [judgments] to them because of their crafty dealings; You have cast them down when they were lifted up.
19 How have they become desolate! Suddenly they have failed; they have perished because of their iniquity.
20 As the dream of one awakening, O Lord, in Your city You will despise their image.
21 For my heart has rejoiced, and my heart has been gladdened.
22 But I [was] vile and knew not: I became brutish before You.
23 Yet I am continually with You. You have taken hold of my right hand.
24 You have guided me by Your counsel, and You have taken me to Yourself with glory.
25 For whom have I in heaven [but You]? And what have I desired upon the earth besides You?
26 My heart and my flesh have failed; [but] God [is the strength] of my heart, and God is my portion forever.
27 For behold, they that remove themselves far from You shall perish; You have destroyed everyone that goes a whoring from You.
28 But it is good for me to cleave close to God, to put my trust in the Lord; that I may proclaim all Your praises in the gates of the daughter of Zion.
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC)
The Apostles’ Bible Complete (ABC) is a modern translation of the Bible that strives to offer a clear and faithful rendering of the scriptures in contemporary language. This translation is designed to be accessible to a wide audience, providing an easy-to-read yet accurate version of the biblical text. The ABC translation aims to bridge the gap between the ancient languages in which the Bible was originally written and the modern vernacular, making it an ideal choice for both personal study and public reading.
One of the notable features of the Apostles’ Bible Complete is its dedication to maintaining the integrity of the original manuscripts. The translators of the ABC worked meticulously with the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts to ensure that their translation accurately reflects the original meaning and intent of the scriptures. By employing a balance of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation techniques, the ABC aims to preserve the nuances and richness of the original languages while ensuring readability and clarity for modern readers.
The ABC also incorporates extensive cross-references and study aids to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These tools include footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, as well as explanations of difficult or ambiguous passages. This approach helps readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the scriptures and to see how different parts of the Bible interconnect. The inclusion of these study aids makes the ABC particularly useful for those who are new to the Bible, as well as for more experienced readers who are looking to deepen their understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the Apostles’ Bible Complete has faced some criticisms. Some readers feel that the translation could benefit from further refinement in certain passages, as the balance between formal and dynamic equivalence can sometimes lead to inconsistencies in style and tone. Others have noted that while the study aids are helpful, they can occasionally overwhelm the main text, making it difficult to focus on the scripture itself. Nonetheless, the ABC remains a valuable and respected translation, appreciated for its commitment to accuracy, clarity, and accessibility, and for its ability to bring the ancient words of the Bible to life for contemporary readers.