« | Psalm 73 | » |
1 (A psalm by Asaph.) God is truly good to Israel, especially to everyone with a pure heart.
2 But I almost stumbled and fell,
3 because it made me jealous to see proud and evil people and to watch them prosper.
4 They never have to suffer, they stay healthy,
5 and they don't have troubles like everyone else.
6 Their pride is like a necklace, and they commit sin more often than they dress themselves.
7 Their eyes poke out with fat, and their minds are flooded with foolish thoughts.
8 They sneer and say cruel things, and because of their pride, they make violent threats.
9 They dare to speak against God and to order others around.
10 God will bring his people back, and they will drink the water he so freely gives.
11 Only evil people would say, "God Most High cannot know everything!"
12 Yet all goes well for them, and they live in peace.
13 What good did it do me to keep my thoughts pure and refuse to do wrong?
14 I am sick all day, and I am punished each morning.
15 If I had said evil things, I would not have been loyal to your people.
16 It was hard for me to understand all this!
17 Then I went to your temple, and there I understood what will happen to my enemies.
18 You will make them stumble, never to get up again.
19 They will be terrified, suddenly swept away and no longer there.
20 They will disappear, Lord, despised like a bad dream the morning after.
21 Once I was bitter and brokenhearted.
22 I was stupid and ignorant, and I treated you as a wild animal would.
23 But I never really left you, and you hold my right hand.
24 Your advice has been my guide, and later you will welcome me in glory.
25 In heaven I have only you, and on this earth you are all I want.
26 My body and mind may fail, but you are my strength and my choice forever.
27 Powerful LORD God, all who stay far from you will be lost, and you will destroy those who are unfaithful.
28 It is good for me to be near you. I choose you as my protector, and I will tell about your wonderful deeds.
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.