« | Job 11 | » |
1 Then Zophar from Naamah answered Job and said,
2 "This flood of words should be answered! Does all this talking make Job right?
3 Do you think we don't have an answer for you? Do you think no one will warn you when you laugh at God?
4 You say to God, 'My arguments are right, and you can see I am pure.'
5 I wish God would answer you and tell you that you are wrong.
6 He could tell you the secret of wisdom. He would tell you that every story has two sides. You can be sure of this: God is not punishing you as much as he should.
7 "Do you think you really understand God? Do you completely understand God All-Powerful?
8 That knowledge is higher than the heavens and deeper than the place of death. So what can you do? How can you learn it all?
9 It is greater than the earth and bigger than the seas.
10 "If God decides to arrest you and take you to court, no one could stop him.
11 God knows who is worthless. When he sees evil, he remembers it.
12 A wild donkey cannot give birth to a man, and a stupid person will never become wise.
13 Prepare your heart to serve only God. Lift your arms and pray to him.
14 Put away the sin that you still hold on to. Don't keep evil in your tent.
15 If you would do that, you could look to God without shame. You could stand strong and not be afraid.
16 Then you could forget your troubles, like water that has already passed by.
17 Your life would be brighter than the sunshine at noon. Life's darkest hours would shine like the morning sun.
18 Then you would feel safe, because there would be hope. God would care for you and give you rest.
19 You could lie down to rest, and no one would bother you. Many people would come to you for help.
20 Evil people might look for help, but they will not escape their troubles. Their hope leads only to death."
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV)
The Easy-To-Read Version (ERV) is a Bible translation specifically designed to be accessible and comprehensible for people with limited reading skills or those for whom English is a second language. Originally published in 1987 by the World Bible Translation Center, the ERV was initially developed to serve the deaf community, using a simplified vocabulary and straightforward sentence structures. The goal of the ERV is to make the scriptures understandable to a wide range of readers, ensuring that everyone can grasp the essential messages of the Bible without being hindered by complex language or archaic terms.
One of the defining characteristics of the ERV is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators employed a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in plain, everyday English. This approach ensures that readers can easily comprehend the Bible’s teachings and narratives, making it a valuable resource for children, new Christians, and those with limited literacy skills. The ERV avoids technical theological terms and instead uses language that is commonly spoken, making it accessible for personal study and public reading alike.
The ERV also pays careful attention to the cultural and contextual nuances of the original manuscripts. The translators sought to present the Bible’s messages in a way that is relevant and meaningful to contemporary readers while maintaining faithfulness to the original texts. This cultural sensitivity helps bridge the gap between ancient scriptures and modern readers, allowing them to connect more deeply with the biblical stories and teachings. Additionally, the ERV includes helpful footnotes and cross-references that provide further explanation and context, enhancing the reader’s understanding of the text.
Despite its strengths, the ERV has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the simplified language and thought-for-thought approach can sometimes result in a loss of depth and richness found in the original texts. Some theologians believe that the ERV’s emphasis on accessibility may lead to oversimplification of complex theological concepts. Nonetheless, the Easy-To-Read Version remains a highly valuable translation for its target audience, offering a clear and approachable rendition of the Bible that helps people of all backgrounds engage with and understand the scriptures.