« | Psalm 73 | » |
1 For sure God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.
2 But as for me, my feet came close to falling. My steps had almost tripped.
3 For I was jealous of the proud when I saw that all was going well with the sinful.
4 For they suffer no pain in their death, and their body is fat.
5 They do not have the troubles of other men or suffer like other men.
6 So they wear pride around their neck. Fighting covers them like a coat.
7 They are so fat that their eyes are pushed out. The crazy thoughts of their hearts run wild.
8 They laugh at the truth, and speak sinful things about making it hard for others. They speak from a high place.
9 They say bad things against heaven, and their tongue walks through the earth.
10 And so his people return to this place and drink water from a full cup.
11 They say, "How does God know? Is there much learning with the Most High?"
12 See, this is what the sinful are like. They always have it easy and their riches grow.
13 For no good reason I have kept my heart pure and have not sinned.
14 For I have suffered all day long. I have been punished every morning.
15 I would not have been true to Your children if I had spoken this way.
16 It was too hard for me when I tried to understand this,
17 until I went into the holy place of God. Then I understood their end.
18 For sure, You set the sinful in places where there is danger at every step. You throw them down to be destroyed.
19 How they are destroyed right away! They come to an end with much fear.
20 Like a dream when one wakes up, so You will hate what they look like when You rise up, O Lord.
21 My heart was troubled and I was hurt inside.
22 I was without reason and did not know better. I was like an animal before You.
23 Yet I am always with You. You hold me by my right hand.
24 You will lead me by telling me what I should do. And after this, You will bring me into shining-greatness.
25 Whom have I in heaven but You? I want nothing more on earth, but You.
26 My body and my heart may grow weak, but God is the strength of my heart and all I need forever.
27 For, see, those who are far from You will be lost from You forever. You have destroyed all those who are not faithful to You.
28 But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Lord God my safe place. So I may tell of all the things You have done.
The New Life Version (NLV)
The New Life Version (NLV) is a unique English translation of the Bible designed to be exceptionally easy to read and understand. First published in 1969, the NLV was created by Gleason Ledyard, a missionary and linguist, to make the Scriptures accessible to people who have limited English proficiency or are new to the language. Ledyard’s aim was to provide a Bible that even those with minimal education could read and comprehend, thus opening the door for a wider audience to engage with the biblical texts.
A defining characteristic of the New Life Version is its use of a limited vocabulary of about 850 basic English words, along with some necessary theological terms. This restricted vocabulary ensures that the language remains simple and straightforward, making the text accessible to young readers, new Christians, and those for whom English is a second language. The translators also avoided idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures, further enhancing clarity and understanding. This makes the NLV a particularly valuable resource for educational and missionary work.
The NLV also emphasizes faithfulness to the original texts, despite its simplified language. The translation aims to maintain the integrity and message of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. By carefully choosing words that accurately convey the meaning of the original texts while ensuring simplicity, the NLV provides a balance between accessibility and fidelity. Additionally, the NLV includes explanatory footnotes and cross-references that help readers understand the context and deeper meanings of the passages, making it a useful tool for both personal study and group teaching.
However, the New Life Version is not without its critics. Some scholars and traditionalists argue that the limited vocabulary and simplified language can lead to a loss of nuance and depth found in the original texts. They suggest that the NLV’s focus on simplicity may sometimes oversimplify complex theological concepts. Despite these criticisms, the New Life Version remains a valuable translation for its intended audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps a wide range of readers engage with the Scriptures and grow in their faith.