« | Job 11 | » |
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite replied to Job:
2 "Shouldn't someone answer this torrent of words? Is a person proved innocent just by a lot of talking?
3 Should I remain silent while you babble on? When you mock God, shouldn't someone make you ashamed?
4 You claim, 'My beliefs are pure,' and 'I am clean in the sight of God.'
5 If only God would speak; if only he would tell you what he thinks!
6 If only he would tell you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom is not a simple matter. Listen! God is doubtless punishing you far less than you deserve!
7 "Can you solve the mysteries of God? Can you discover everything about the Almighty?
8 Such knowledge is higher than the heavens-- and who are you? It is deeper than the underworld-- what do you know?
9 It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea.
10 If God comes and puts a person in prison or calls the court to order, who can stop him?
11 For he knows those who are false, and he takes note of all their sins.
12 An empty-headed person won't become wise any more than a wild donkey can bear a human child.
13 "If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer!
14 Get rid of your sins, and leave all iniquity behind you.
15 Then your face will brighten with innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.
16 You will forget your misery; it will be like water flowing away.
17 Your life will be brighter than the noonday. Even darkness will be as bright as morning.
18 Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.
19 You will lie down unafraid, and many will look to you for help.
20 But the wicked will be blinded. They will have no escape. Their only hope is death."
The New Living Translation (NLT)
The New Living Translation (NLT) is a modern English translation of the Bible that aims to make the Scriptures accessible and engaging for contemporary readers. First published in 1996 by Tyndale House Publishers, the NLT was conceived as an effort to create a translation that combines both accuracy and readability. Unlike many other translations that focus on a word-for-word rendering of the original texts, the NLT employs a thought-for-thought translation philosophy, also known as dynamic equivalence. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and message of the original texts in a way that is natural and understandable in modern English.
One of the defining features of the NLT is its commitment to clarity and simplicity. The translators, a team of over 90 evangelical scholars, aimed to create a text that would be approachable for a wide audience, including those who may find traditional translations challenging to read. The NLT’s language is contemporary and conversational, making it particularly effective for public reading, teaching, and personal study. This emphasis on readability helps ensure that the profound messages of the Bible are easily grasped and retained by readers from various backgrounds and levels of biblical knowledge.
The NLT also incorporates a rich array of study aids designed to enhance the reader’s understanding of the biblical text. These include book introductions, footnotes, cross-references, and explanatory notes that provide historical, cultural, and theological context. These features are particularly useful for readers who seek a deeper comprehension of the Scriptures and their application to modern life. The translation also includes clear and concise headings that help guide readers through the narrative and thematic structure of each book, making it easier to follow and comprehend the overall message.
Despite its many strengths, the New Living Translation has faced some criticism, particularly from those who favor more literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach, while making the text more readable, can sometimes result in a loss of the precise nuances and literary qualities of the original languages. Some scholars believe that certain theological concepts might be oversimplified in the process of making the text more accessible. Nevertheless, the NLT remains one of the most popular and widely used translations today, valued for its readability, clarity, and ability to convey the timeless truths of the Bible in a way that resonates with contemporary readers.